Russia uses medical exemptions to avoid sanctions, Lithuania says

“We have witnessed car parts, refrigerator components, copier units, and various types of microelectronics being exported directly to Russia and declared as intended for medical use,” Bloomberg quoted Grigaite-Daugirde.

She added that in 2024 Lithuania’s customs service blocked the export of 28,854 items bound for Russia and Belarus that were falsely registered under “medical exceptions.”

The official urged the European Union to let exporters in member states independently apply for exemption status for their goods, a move that would plug loopholes currently allowing Russia to bypass sanctions. 

“Leaving automatic sanctions exemptions for medical goods is like closing the door but leaving the keyhole open—Russia is bound to find a way through,” she added.