📈 Surge in EU Exports to Potential "Connector" CIS Countries Post-Russia Sanctions

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the European Union imposed sweeping sanctions that slashed its exports to Russia by 65%—from €89 billion in 2021 to €31 billion in the twelve months ending February 2025. At the same time, several CIS countries—Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia—emerged as potential intermediaries, possibly facilitating indirect trade with Russia. EU exports to these nations surged by 111%, rising from €15.5 billion in 2021 to €32.7 billion over the same period.