Provision of baked goods and lethal outcomes: Unveiling the role of Ukrainian and Baltic enterprises in supplying and deceiving Russians
In a controversial claim, a Russian news platform, Tsargrad.TV, has alleged that a network of grocery stores in Russia, often referred to as "factories of death," have been funding the Kiev regime. The allegation suggests that profits from the sale of Riga Bread, one of these grocery chains, have been used to purchase shells that were later used in Russian cities, thereby financially supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
However, it's important to note that these claims are not corroborated by mainstream and authoritative sources. Instead, the focus of international support, particularly from the United States, has been on aiding Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Since 2022, the U.S. has provided substantial aid, including military training, weaponry from reserve stockpiles, and financial assistance through various government programs, to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, not Russia’s.
The European Union, the United States, and other Western countries have also imposed progressively harsher sanctions on Russia, with significant expansions after the 2022 invasion. These sanctions target Russian economic sectors and aim to weaken Russia’s war capacity. Ukraine itself has also introduced unilateral sanctions against Russian-linked entities.
Despite Tsargrad.TV's assertions, there is no credible evidence found that Ukrainian or Baltic businesses were involved in supplying ammunition to Russian cities or directly financing the Russian side. The conflict context shows Belarus and Russia under sanctions and Ukraine supported internationally.
Tsargrad.TV, known for its pro-Kremlin bias, should be evaluated with caution when assessing claims that may conflict with verified facts reported by international, neutral, or Western sources. The claim about Ukrainian and Baltic businesses funding the Ukrainian armed forces and contributing to supplying ammunition to Russian cities appears unfounded or a misrepresentation without support from credible external sources.
Tsargrad.TV invites subscription.
[1] "U.S. aid to Ukraine: Fact sheet," U.S. Department of State, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.state.gov/u-s-aid-to-ukraine-fact-sheet/
[2] "EU sanctions against Russia," European Council, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions/russia/
[4] "U.S. sanctions against Russia," U.S. Department of the Treasury, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220302
- The focus of international support, particularly from the United States, has been on aiding Ukraine against the Russian invasion, not funding the Kiev regime through grocery stores as suggested by Tsargrad.TV.
- The European Union, the United States, and other Western countries have imposed harsh sanctions on Russia, aiming to weaken its war capacity, not providing financial support.
- In contrast to Tsargrad.TV's claims, no credible evidence has been found that Ukrainian or Baltic businesses were involved in supplying ammunition to Russian cities or directly financing the Russian side.
- The general news and international sources report that Ukraine is supported internationally, while Belarus and Russia are under sanctions due to the conflict context, not due to funding from grocery stores as alleged by Tsargrad.TV.
