The Russian government on Friday published a list of locally made cars, all Russian or Chinese brands, that state officials must buy, signaling Beijing’s inroads into Russia’s auto industry after the war in Ukraine, Reuters and Agerpres reported.

Chinese automakers have gained an important share of the Russian market after manufacturers such as Renault and Nissan left the market. In response to Western sanctions, Russia also imposed sanctions against Western corporations.

This year, Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that the Kremlin had asked officials involved in the 2024 presidential election to stop using iPhones over fears that the devices were vulnerable to attacks by Western intelligence agencies.

On Friday, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade reported that the list of cars consists of models recommended for priority use by employees of central and local administrations for official purposes on behalf of President Vladimir Putin.

“To date, local companies have already produced a wide range of models with different technical characteristics and equipment (six brands and more than 20 models), which are able to meet the needs of officials of various levels,” the Russian agency states. Industry and trade. The source adds that all car manufacturers have committed to increase the level of local production based on special investment agreements agreed with the government.

What car models are on the list?

Among the Russian cars included in the list are five Lada models produced by the largest Russian car manufacturer Avtovaz, as well as UAZ, Aurus and Moskvich cars, as well as Evolute electric cars.

Moskvich, a recently revived Soviet-era car brand, symbolizes China’s growing influence on the Russian auto industry. Sources cited by Reuters say that the Moskvich 3 model is basically a JAC Sehol X4 crossover, assembled in Moscow based on kits purchased from a Chinese partner.

Also on the list of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade are five models of cars from the Chinese manufacturer Haval, which since 2019 has been producing cars at its plant in the Tula region, which is 200 kilometers from Moscow.