The UK government is under pressure to re-examine a licence granted to British company Cygnet Texkimp, which makes hi-tech machines producing carbon fibre material. This material is important in both civilian and military products. The machines may soon be exported to Rydena LLC, a new Armenian company formed by former executives of Umatex, a key Russian military supplier sanctioned by the US and UK. Sanctions experts and MP Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business committee, questioned how the export licence was awarded given these links. Umatex, part of Russia’s Rosatom, is pivotal for Russia’s carbon fibre production, described by US officials as "critical" for military hardware like aircraft, missiles, and drones. Rydena’s leaders, including former Umatex directors, deny any business with Russia or military projects. However, their directorships and ties remain connected to Russian addresses. Cygnet says it followed all export controls and received full government approval. Yet experts like Anna Bradshaw warn end-user declarations may fail to stop diversion to Russia. Technical drawings have already been shared with Rydena, and export is expected by April or May 2025. Political scrutiny is mounting, with calls for the government to explain how it cleared the licence amid these “red flags.” The Department for Business and Trade defends its strict export control regime and sanctions on Russia, highlighting that all decisions meet rigorous standards. Rydena and Cygnet maintain the machinery is for peaceful civilian industries, including aerospace and automotive, and deny any sanction breaches. This case spotlights the challenges in tracing sensitive exports through countries like Armenia, which may serve as indirect channels for Russian military supply amidst tight sanctions.