Fact Check: "One-third of aircraft parts imported by Russia came from the UAE."
What We Know
The claim that "one-third of aircraft parts imported by Russia came from the UAE" is based on data regarding Russia's imports of aircraft parts amid ongoing sanctions. According to an investigation by Yle, Russia has imported nearly €1 billion worth of aircraft parts since sanctions were imposed, with significant portions coming from the UAE, Turkey, and China (source). Specifically, the report indicates that the majority of these parts were sourced through intermediaries, with the UAE being a notable hub for these transactions (source).
Additionally, a report on Russia's import statistics suggests that intermediary companies from the UAE, China, and Turkey are profiting from these transactions, with Russia spending approximately $30 million yearly on Western aircraft parts, which constitutes about 1.5% of its total imports (source). However, the exact proportion of parts specifically from the UAE compared to the total aircraft parts imported by Russia is not clearly defined in the available data.
Analysis
The claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of the data regarding the origin of aircraft parts imported by Russia. While it is clear that the UAE plays a significant role in the supply chain for aircraft parts, the assertion that it constitutes one-third of all such imports lacks precise backing from the cited sources. The Yle investigation indicates that the UAE is a major player, but it does not quantify the exact percentage of total aircraft parts imported from the UAE specifically (source).
Moreover, the report from the Russia Import and Export Statistics indicates that while the UAE is involved in these transactions, it does not provide a breakdown that confirms the one-third figure (source). The reliance on intermediaries complicates the tracing of exact origins, as parts can be shipped from various countries before reaching Russia.
The credibility of the sources is generally strong, with Yle being a reputable news organization and the import statistics report being a structured analysis of trade data. However, the lack of detailed breakdowns in the statistics means that while the UAE is indeed a significant source, the claim of one-third remains unverified.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that one-third of aircraft parts imported by Russia came from the UAE is partially true. While the UAE is a significant source of aircraft parts for Russia, the specific figure of one-third is not substantiated by the available data. The evidence suggests a notable role for the UAE in the supply chain, but without precise figures, the claim cannot be fully verified.
