Moscow adds Daimler trucks to its sanctions list in response to Russia's counter-sanctions.
The Russian government has added German commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler Truck to its sanctions list, deepening the economic isolation between the two entities amidst the ongoing geopolitical conflict in Ukraine. The official Russian government decree was issued on June 27, 2025, and published on June 30, 2025[1][2][5].
Although the official reason for the sanction has not been explicitly stated by the Russian government, Russian government newspaper Rossiskaya Gazeta reported that Daimler Truck had delivered trucks to the Ukrainian armed forces[1]. The company had suspended its operations in Russia since the outbreak of the war, but it still holds a 15% stake in Russian truck manufacturer Kamaz, which produces military vehicles[1][2].
The sanctions impose a ban on all trade with Russia, effectively prohibiting Daimler Truck from conducting business within the country[1][5]. Payment obligations to Daimler Truck by Russian entities are also considered void due to the sanctions[1]. The inability to divest its stake in Kamaz until the stipulated timeline, potentially complicates Daimler Truck’s exit from the Russian market[1][2].
The sanctions list includes Western companies with which all trade is prohibited and payment obligations are void[1]. The West has imposed sanctions on Moscow following the start of Russia's military attack on Ukraine. Daimler Truck did not comment on being placed on the Russian sanctions list on Monday evening[1][4].
Kamaz, a Russian truck manufacturer, also produces military vehicles. The sale of Daimler Truck's stake in Kamaz, which was planned for 2024, cannot proceed under the current sanctions[1][2]. The sale amount for Daimler Truck's stake in Kamaz remains unknown.
It is worth noting that Daimler Truck has supplied trucks to the Ukrainian armed forces, according to the Russian government newspaper Rossiskaya Gazeta[1]. The company's stake in Kamaz will be sold in 2024, despite the suspension of activities in Russia.
The Kremlin has drawn up its own sanctions list of Western companies, prohibiting all trade and voiding payment obligations towards such corporations[1]. This decision to place Daimler Truck on the sanctions list is in response to sanctions imposed by the West on Moscow. The consequences of the decision for Daimler Truck are initially unclear.
[1] Rossiskaya Gazeta, June 30, 2025 [2] Bloomberg, June 30, 2025 [3] Reuters, June 30, 2025 [4] DW, June 30, 2025 [5] BBC, June 30, 2025
The sanctions imposed on Daimler Truck by the Russian government have affected its ability to conduct business within the Russian industry, as all trade with Russia is now prohibited. Moreover, financial obligations to Daimler Truck by Russian entities are considered void due to the sanctions, potentially complicating the company's exit from the Russian market.
