Reuters: Coal from Russian-annexed Ukraine sold in Turkey

A Reuters investigation has revealed that coal from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine was exported to Turkey.

Russian customs data analysed by journalists show that at least $14.3 million worth of coal mined in the temporarily occupied territories of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions had been exported to Turkey.

From February to July 2023, about 160,400 tonnes of coal arrived in Turkey. The country was the largest export destination for coal from the occupied areas, accounting for 95% of supplies during this period. 

The buyers were companies registered in Hong Kong, the UAE and offshore jurisdictions, including Belize and the British Virgin Islands. There are no Turkish companies on the list.

Reuters was unable to find the contacts of the buyers and determine who the final beneficiary was.

It is known that some of the coal went through Rostov-on-Don and some through the Black Sea port of Novorosiysk.

Unlike the US and EU, Turkey has not restricted trade with either Russia or the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.