Russia has imported more than $29 million in the US dollar and Euro currency from Rwanda this year. The confidential customs data reported by Vyorstka shows that the currency notes entered the country despite the US pressing sanctions. The White House sanctioned Russia in February 2022 for invading and waging war against its neighboring country Ukraine.
Also Read: NATO Member Officially Applies to Join BRICS
According to recent data, around $2.27 billion has entered Russia in the US dollar and Euro currency notes since February 2022. The currency notes entered Russia from countries such as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), among others. These countries have not imposed any restrictions on Russia and continue to initiate business deals as usual.
US Dollar and Euro Currency Enters Russia Worth $30 Million
Vyorstka reported that Russia’s state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport imported $29.21 million worth of $100 US dollar currency from Rwanda’s Defense Ministry. The imports were initiated on January 23, 2024.
Also, on January 18, a lesser-known company Aero-Trade, which deals in duty-free shopping at airports brought in the US dollar. The firm registered two shipments into Russia, one worth $20 million and another 20 million in the Euro.
Also Read: BRICS Bank Officially Authorizes a New Country To Join the Ranks
The imports come at a time when Russia called the US dollar and the Euro currencies “toxic”. The country is also going all out to promote de-dollarization around the world. Reuters identified the Aero-Trade currency-filled shipments as the company had officially declared them as imports. However, the source from where the currency bills came from could not be determined.
Also Read: BRICS: Chinese Yuan Beats Euro To Become the Second Most Used Currency
However, Aero-Trade refuted the findings saying that the company is “not involved in the supply of hard currency to Russia.” The development shows that even after sanctions, Russia is fully capable of importing the US dollar and Euro into the country. This could help various businesses to stay afloat and also strengthen the Russian economy.
