Ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Business and Human Rights Centre warns Western states and businesses about the costs of failing to take decisive steps to sever business ties with Russia. 

Ella Skybenko, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Senior Researcher & Representative, Business and Human Rights Centre, said: “Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, the war continues in part because Moscow still has access to the money, energy revenues and foreign technology it needs to sustain it — and Western companies and governments remain part of that equation. Despite sanctions, international businesses continue to pay billions in taxes in Russia, European countries are still buying Russian energy products, and foreign-made industrial equipment keeps appearing in the production of weapons used against Ukraine. This is not just a policy gap; it is a strategic failure. The window to act is closing. Stronger enforcement, tighter export controls and real corporate accountability today could significantly weaken Russia’s ability to wage war — at a far lower cost than the price Europe may face if this continues.”

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Notes to editors: 

• Business and Human Rights Centre (BHRC) is a global organisation working at the intersection of business and human rights. With partners and allies worldwide, we seek to put human rights at the heart of business to deliver a just economy, climate justice, and end abuse. Find out more about our approach here.
• Ukraine Government exposes foreign technology fuelling Russia’s war - Overwhelming majority of manufacturers remain silent: In July 2024, an open database of foreign equipment used by Russia in the production of weapons was published. Business and Human Rights Centre reached out to nearly 400 companies whose equipment is listed in the database asking them to comment on its inclusion. 
• Russian invasion of Ukraine - What companies have to say about their human rights due diligence: Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Business and Human Rights Centre closely monitored company activity and the private sector response to the rapidly changing situation.

Media contact: Priyanka Mogul, Senior Media Officer, Business and Human Rights Centre, [email protected]