In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions on the country, leading to a mass exodus of international companies. However, a recent Al Jazeera investigation has revealed that many of these companies’ products are still readily available in Russia, defying the intended impact of the sanctions.
Moscow has legalized parallel imports, a practice that allows Russian businesses to import restricted goods through third countries. This has created a network of alternative supply chains, ensuring that Russian consumers can continue to purchase products from brands that have officially ceased operations in the country.
For instance, despite Apple’s withdrawal from Russia, Apple products are still widely sold in the country. One Moscow resident, Zoya, recently purchased an Apple Watch through Yandex.Market, a Russian online retailer. The watch was reportedly manufactured in 2022 and intended for sale in the United States, but Zoya purchased it at a price lower than what it would have cost in Italy.
The presence of Western products in Russia highlights the challenges of enforcing sanctions against a country with a large and diversified economy. It also demonstrates the resilience of the Russian business community in adapting to changing circumstances and finding ways to meet consumer demand.
