Utilizing the EAEU Countries as Channels for Circumventing Sanctions Against Russia: Evidence from the Trade Patterns of the Czech Republic

This paper focuses on the current EU’s trade sanctions imposed on Russia and their circumvention through so-called “transshipment points”. The aim is to utilize available statistical data to reveal whether member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) indeed function as transshipment points for circumventing sanctions. The case study of Czech exports to non-sanctioned EAEU countries helps to identify the nature and scale of such endeavors. Data indicate that the unprecedented increase in Czech exports is not coincidental. The current situation confirms that imposing sanctions against one member of an integration grouping complicates the swift isolation of that country.