
dw.com
Addinol Continues Supplying Lubricants to Russian Security Forces Amidst Ukraine War
German lubricant manufacturer Addinol continues supplying its products to Russian security forces, including those in occupied Crimea, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine; Addinol's Russian subsidiary reported substantial profits since 2022; The Insider's investigation revealed at least 19 state procurement orders since March 2023.
- What are the specific implications of Addinol's continued business operations in Russia for the ongoing war in Ukraine?
- The German company Addinol continues to conduct business in Russia, supplying its products to Russian security forces despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Insider's investigation found at least 19 orders from Russian government agencies since March 2023, including the Prosecutor's Office and the Federal Penitentiary Service. Addinol's Russian subsidiary, partially owned by an Estonian Addinol company, reported significant profits in recent years.
- How does Addinol's Russian subsidiary's financial performance and ownership structure contribute to the company's involvement in Russia?
- Addinol's continued operation in Russia raises concerns about complicity in the war effort. The supply of metalworking fluids to Russian security forces and previously to defense companies (pre-2022) suggests a direct contribution to the Russian military-industrial complex. This contradicts the ethical stance of many Western companies that ceased operations in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
- What potential future consequences might Addinol face due to its continued business ties with Russia, considering the ethical and legal implications?
- Addinol's substantial profits from Russian sales, despite international sanctions and widespread condemnation of the war, indicate a potential vulnerability in Western sanctions. The case highlights the need for more comprehensive measures to prevent companies from profiting from the conflict. Addinol's response to The Insider's inquiry remains awaited, which will further clarify the company's position and actions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately highlight Addinol's continued business in Russia and its supply to law enforcement, framing the company's actions in a negative light. The article's structure emphasizes the negative aspects, potentially leading readers to a pre-conceived conclusion without considering a more complete picture.
Language Bias
The article uses relatively neutral language, but phrases like "military aggression" and "occupied Crimea" carry a strong connotation. While these are factually accurate, using more neutral language such as "the conflict in Ukraine" and "the Crimean Peninsula" could offer a more balanced perspective. The description of Addinol's profits could also be seen as loaded; presenting the figures without commentary might be less suggestive.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on Addinol's continued business in Russia and its supply to Russian security forces, but it omits information on the scale of Addinol's overall business and whether this activity represents a significant portion of their total revenue. It also doesn't explore potential mitigating factors, such as Addinol's efforts to comply with sanctions or their attempts to withdraw from the Russian market. The lack of Addinol's response to the inquiry also limits the reader's ability to fully understand the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from exploring the complexities of international business and sanctions compliance. A simple 'doing business in Russia is bad' framing overshadows the nuances of the legal and ethical challenges faced by multinational companies operating in sanctioned territories.
Sustainable Development Goals
Addinol's continued business operations in Russia, including supplying products to Russian law enforcement and organizations in occupied Crimea, directly undermines international efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine and to uphold peace and justice. This supports the Russian military-industrial complex, prolonging the conflict and violating international norms.