EU buys Russian steel worth billions: who ignores sanctions

Import of Steel from Russia to the EU

According to Главком: The European Union continues to import steel from Russia despite the imposed sanctions. In particular, more than half of the enterprises of the Russian corporation 'Uralvagonzavod' are not subject to these restrictions. Out of 41 enterprises of 'Uralvagonzavod', which are part of the Russian state corporation Rostec, 23 are not under sanctions. This allows EU countries to continue purchasing products from the mining and metallurgical complex of Russia.

Import Statistics

According to data, from January to October 2025, the European Union imported 4.19 million tons of products of Russian origin in this sector. The expenditures for purchasing this product amounted to €1.72 billion. Additionally, EU countries purchased 2.9 million tons of steel semi-finished products in 2025, which is 8.4% more compared to the previous year.

These data indicate that some enterprises in Russia, which are part of or managed by Rostec holdings, continue to operate despite sanctions. In Ukraine, 429 enterprises in Russia that may be connected to this corporation have been recorded. The situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of sanctions and their impact on the economy of the aggressor country.

The current situation with the import of steel from Russia to the EU highlights the complexity of implementing sanctions in a global economic context.

Despite the efforts of the West, some Russian enterprises continue to function, questioning the overall effectiveness of the imposed restrictions. This may influence further EU decisions on sanctions and the strategies of the aggressor country in response to international pressure.