Uzhhorod plant produces satellite systems for Russia – investigation
10 May 2024 10:23
The American company Jabil Circuit’s plant in Uzhhorod produces Gilat SkyEdge satellite internet communications systems for the Israeli corporation Gilat Satellite Networks. The Israeli company sells these systems to Russia on a massive scale. This is stated in an investigation by Slidstvo.info journalists, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Israeli company did not stop supplying its goods to Russia. Judging by the fact that the Israeli company’s revenue from trade with Russia increased 6-fold in 2023, it can be assumed that the volume of supplies is also growing.
For example, in 2021, Russians bought $982,000 worth of satellite systems from Gilat, in 2022 – $840,000, and in 2023 this figure increased to $5 million.
According to customs declarations, systems manufactured in Ukraine were shipped from Israel and Turkey.
Some of these satellite systems ended up at the frontline. The transfer of Gilat dishes to the Russian military is regularly reported by their politicians and volunteers, the investigation says. The systematic supply of Gilat products to the frontline was also confirmed to journalists by satellite communications systems dealers. Those systems that did not reach the frontline help support the Russian military machine.
The journalists tried to get an explanation from the Israeli company, but they did not receive a response.
Jabil, the company that owns the plant in Uzhhorod, claims that it has withdrawn from the Russian market, closed its production there and “took measures” to prevent its products from entering Russia.
“In line with our commitment to global ethical and human rights standards, Jabil has taken a clear position in support of Ukraine in the face of the ongoing armed invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. We reassure all stakeholders that we have taken steps to ensure that no products manufactured by Jabil in Ukraine are shipped to the Russian Federation. We are actively working with our customers and supply chains to ensure strict adherence to our policy of not supplying to Russia,”
– Jabil said in its response.
