Experts sound alarm over UK exports to firm linked to Russian war machine

Experts are raising concerns about a UK government-approved export license granted to Cygnet Texkimp, a British company, to sell hi-tech machinery to Rydena LLC, a newly formed company in Armenia. The machinery produces carbon fiber "prepreg," a material with military applications. Rydena was established by former executives of a company identified as a key military supplier to the Kremlin two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While Cygnet claims to have conducted thorough end-user checks and Rydena denies business with Russia, the deal raises questions about the effectiveness of UK export controls in preventing British companies from indirectly supporting Russia's war efforts. The concern stems from carbon fiber's critical role in Russian weaponry, as a sanctioned Russian company, Umatex, is a major producer of the material.

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