The Wall Street Journal: Western officials intend to warn the UAE about trade with Russia

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing US and European officials saying that the United States, Britain and the European Union plan to jointly pressure the United Arab Emirates this week to stop shipments of goods to Russia that could help Moscow in its war with Ukraine.

The UAE official responded to a Reuters request for comment by saying that his country “is strictly abiding by the United Nations sanctions and has clear and robust procedures for dealing with sanctioned entities”.

The official added that the UAE constantly monitors the export of dual-use products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes under the legal framework to control exports.

The report indicated that officials from Washington and European capitals will begin on Monday, a visit to the UAE as part of a global collective campaign to keep dual-use products out of the hands of the Russians, such as computer chips and electronic components.

The UAE, a member of the OPEC+ oil alliance that includes Russia, has good relations with Moscow despite pressure from the West to help isolate Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022.

The UAE didn’t follow the example of countries that imposed sanctions on Moscow.

The US State Department declined to comment when asked about the Wall Street Journal report.

The UAE official said that his country is still in close dialogue with international partners, including the United States and the European Union, regarding the conflict in Ukraine and its repercussions on the global economy.

Emirati official added, “Emirati banks, under the supervision of the Central Bank and other relevant authorities, monitor compliance with the sanctions imposed on Russia to prevent any violation of international law”.