The media reports that the UK continues to export sanctioned equipment to Russia, trying not to make these supplies public. It appears that Western sanctions and other loud public statements about bans imposed on Russia do not completely stop trade relations. The Times noted trade data showing that the UK authorities did not specify that local manufacturers were exporting mining and fossil fuel equipment to Russia. The publication revealed that the UK government was turning a blind eye to exporting equipment crucial to Russia's fossil fuel and mining industries. Despite such easing, London continues to claim that the anti-Russia sanctions are the most severe economic restrictions that have ever been taken against a major economy. For example, construction company Hill & Smith assured that it had no direct Russian customers or suppliers. At the same time, export records show that a subsidiary continues to supply the Russian LLC Arctic LNG 2 with pipe supports for securing gas pipelines. Against this backdrop, the severity of Western restrictions is questioned.
