Decision to allow UK exports to Armenian firm under review over Russian links

The UK government is reviewing a decision to allow Cygnet Texkimp, a British company, to export hi-tech carbon fiber production equipment to Rydena LLC, an Armenian firm. This review was prompted by concerns raised about Rydena's potential links to the Russian military supply chain, specifically through its founders' previous roles at Umatex, a Kremlin-owned company. The equipment in question can produce "prepreg," a material with both civil and military applications, including missile and drone production. The trade minister has put the deal on hold while the government reconsiders whether the export requires a license due to dual-use controls, which regulate items with both civilian and military applications. This decision follows a report highlighting the potential for the equipment to be used to circumvent sanctions against Russia.

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