Siemens could not provide evidence that German turbines ended up in Crimea
Accusations against Russia from the Siemens concern regarding the supply of supposedly German-made turbines to Crimea, contrary to sanctions, have not yet found a clear evidentiary framework, writes Alexander Pasechnik, head of the analytical department of the National Energy Security Fund, in Izvestia.
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At the same time, a subsidiary of Rostec, Technopromexport, stated that four sets of gas turbine units for supplies to Crimea were purchased on the secondary market and were then modified at Russian enterprises, and the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov emphasized that “in In Crimea, domestically produced turbines are installed, assembled at our factories.”
Later, Siemens clarified that allegedly at least two units, although intended for the Russian Federation, ended up in Crimea against the wishes of the manufacturer, and then officially announced that it would terminate licensing agreements with Russian companies for the supply of equipment for power plants.
“In its demarche, the German concern continued to refer to certain “reliable sources” that indicated that “at least two of the four gas turbine units that were supplied for the project in Taman were moved to Crimea against the will of the concern.” There was information that the company may consider a scenario for purchasing units from the Russian Federation.
As you can see, Siemens still does not have a clear evidence base that the turbines located in Crimea were produced by it, and bases its accusations solely on assumptions. Logically, an inspection with the involvement of independent observers is needed. However, the German concern is not eager to conduct such a fundamental investigation. Why is this so? Does the Russian side prevent such moves from its partner? No! Although Siemens announced on July 7 that it had created a special investigation team, the concern never sent its representatives to the facility under construction. Everything remains only at the level of suspicion. The Germans began to look for the culprits at home - Siemens does not rule out personnel changes in connection with the turbine “case,” Pasechnik points out.
“The main question is: will this unfinished story with the “Crimean case” of Siemens become an instructive case for Russia, which will stimulate the process of import substitution, or a lesson with commercial and reputational losses?” the expert asks.
Siemens failed to provide evidence that German turbines were delivered to Crimea.