"Russia's leading film studio and several regional historical museums are buying drones and military-capable electronic equipment for use in Ukraine in what appears to be an unusual example of cultural institutions being forced to spend budget funds on the war effort. According to government procurement data reviewed by RFE/RL's Russian Service, between June 2024 and October 2025 Mosfilm purchased six models of popular drones equipped with night-vision cameras, along with various electronic warfare systems valued at nearly 6 million rubles ($76,000)."
"The studio -- a state-backed enterprise at the heart of Russia's venerable film industry -- purchased drone detectors, jammers, and other electronic warfare stations, the documents showed. It wasn't exactly clear where the equipment ended up; however, a 2022 government decree authorized all publicly funded institutions, including cultural organizations, to make such acquisitions as a way to support the all-out invasion of Ukraine."
"Western countries imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in the wake of the invasion in an attempt to choke off supplies of dual-use technology, electronics, and equipment Russia needs for its warfighting effort but is unable to manufacture itself. But Moscow has devised myriad systems, both official and unofficial, to try to circumvent the sanctions, using third countries such as the Central Asian nations and Turkey as conduits for the goods."
Mosfilm purchased six drone models with night-vision cameras and electronic-warfare systems valued at nearly 6 million rubles. The studio acquired drone detectors, jammers, and other electronic-warfare stations. A 2022 government decree authorized publicly funded institutions, including cultural organizations, to buy such equipment to support the invasion of Ukraine. At least three museums near St. Petersburg bought drones, Starlink mobile Internet systems, military-capable radios, and motorcycles. The Vyborg Museum-Reserve ran multiple tenders spending over 5 million rubles. Moscow has sought to circumvent Western sanctions by routing dual-use goods through third countries.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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