President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on June 21 that a number of foreign companies, eight of which are Czech, continue to supply metalworking equipment to Russia, which is used, among other things, in the military-industrial complex (MIC). Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky responded by saying that he knew nothing about such companies. At the same time, journalists from The Insider identified at least 12 Czech manufacturers whose products entered the Russian Federation in 2023–2024.
Supplies are mostly carried out through third countries — Estonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Latvia. According to Russian customs, in 2023, Czech machine tools were imported for $18 million, and in 2024 — for $12 million.
The main share belongs to Czech companies Šmeral Brno, Varnsdorf and TAJMAC-ZPS. Their equipment worth about $8 million was imported to the Russian Federation through subsidiaries or partners.
The Šmeral Brno company calls its main specialization the production of turnkey machine tools and molding lines. On the company's official website, in the "About us" section, it is indicated that Russia still remains among the priority export markets.
Another example is Pilous-Pásové Pily, a manufacturer of metal band saws. Its subsidiary in St. Petersburg, Pilous LLC, is 70% owned by a Czech company. It was this structure that received equipment potentially suitable for both civilian and military applications.
In 2024, Jihostroj as equipment was found at a plant adjacent to the Shahed production facility in the city of Alabuga. Also in 2023–2024, journalists identified at least five other Czech companies that exported metalworking equipment that could be used in the military-industrial complex and energy sector.
In 2023, four Czech companies — N.Ko, Prestar, Tachtech and Stroje Zeman Trade — exported metalworking equipment to Russia with a total value of about $500 thousand. The equipment included, in particular, pipe cutters that can be used at gas production facilities. The main buyers were little-known companies, probably intermediaries or specialized resellers.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Prague would investigate Zelensky's claims about Czech equipment supplies to Russia. Industry Minister Lukasz Vlček also promised an investigation. European Affairs Minister Martin Dvorak admitted that he would not be surprised if Czech companies circumvented sanctions, and Zelensky could well be right.