The American company Haas Automation, one of the world’s largest high precision CNC machines manufacturers, is accused of violating anti-Russian sanctions, tells PBS NewsHour channel.

Haas Automation allegedly supplied equipment for Russian MIC plants through its official representative in Russia and Belarus. Among them is a RATEP factory that manufactures guidance systems for anti-aircraft systems and has been under US sanctions since 2014. After familiarizing themselves with the customs records, PBS NewShour thinks the supplies lasted for months after the Russian invasion. From March 4 to October last year, at least 18 supplies from Haas Automation worth $2.8 million were made to Russia.

Haas Automation replied to the accusations.

“Haas Automation is and has always been in full compliance with U.S. Government export control. No machines have shipped from the Haas Automation factory to Russia since March 3, 2022. The 18 machines referenced in the story left the Haas Automation factory prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Haas Automation voluntarily chose to terminate its relationship with the Russian distributor, which has never been required by any U.S. sanctions. Haas Automation completely supports Ukraine and its people in their defense against Russia,” said the official address of the company.

And we would like to believe Haas Automation, but this is not the first time that the owner of Haas Automation Gene Haas gets in trouble for collaboration with the Russians. Formula 1 Haas F1 Team team, owned by Gene Haas, has cooperated with the Russian company Uralkaliy for several years, owned by Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, whose son Nikita Mazepin became a pilot of the team. Since 2022, Mazepin Sr. has been under US sanctions, so Haas F1 Team was forced to break the contract with both the sponsor and pilot.

When will they already understand that Russia and Russians are toxic?! It is better to avoid any contact with them.