Siemens is to leave Russia once again. The legendary German conglomerate announced its exit from some joint projects with Russia amid illegal turbine delivery to the annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea. These actions violate the European sanctions imposed in 2014 and pose a threat to the German company itself.

The decision was made after the investigation conducted by the company proved the fact of gas turbines delivery. The wrongful act resulted in a serious problem for Russia. The German concern announced its withdrawal from Interautomatika, where it held 45.7% of securities, and added that it stops shipping equipment to the Russian energy stations. However, it is difficult to talk about the complete exit from the Russian market as Siemens has been operating in the country for years. Four illegally delivered turbines were built by OJSC Power Machines that almost completely belonged to Siemens before sanctions.

Power Machines is a former Elektrosila plant in Saint Petersburg that was privatized in 90s. The factory was established in 1898 when it became a part of Siemens & Halske. This means Siemens has been in Russia long before the country even became the Russian Federation. This gives hope that it is not the complete end of Siemens’ presence in Russia.