According to a recent investigation by Monitor magazine, two German construction companies are reportedly involved in the rebuilding efforts of Mariupol, Ukraine, which was occupied by Russian forces two years ago.
The investigation, featured on public ARD television, alleges that industrial giants Knauf Group and WKB Systems have been supplying materials for construction in the heavily damaged city.
Monitor claims to have analyzed various images from construction sites bearing the Knauf logo, along with activity reports indicating the company’s involvement in Mariupol. Mariupol, which suffered extensive destruction during the initial months of the conflict, fell to Russian forces following a two-month siege that resulted in significant loss of life and widespread devastation.
The magazine also cites an “official distributor” of Knauf promoting a housing project in Mariupol, reportedly constructed using Knauf products on behalf of the Russian Defense Ministry. Additionally, products from WKB Systems, a company majority-owned by Russian businessman Viktor Budarin, are said to be visible at construction sites in Mariupol.
In response to these allegations, Knauf issued a statement to AFP asserting its compliance with EU, U.K., and American sanctions against Russia. The Bavarian company operates 14 production facilities in Russia, employing 4,000 individuals, and cited a commitment to its employees as the reason for not withdrawing from Russia post-invasion.
Following Russia’s publication of a reconstruction plan for Mariupol, Germany’s foreign ministry cautioned against participation in what it termed “propaganda,” urging companies to carefully consider the implications of their involvement. The German economy ministry indicated that authorities would investigate whether the activities of German firms in Mariupol violated sanctions.