UPDATE: Russian pres spox denies installation of Siemens turbines in Crimea

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MOSCOW, Jul 10 (PRIME) -- The turbines that are to be installed at future power plants in Crimea were produced in Russia and from Russian components, Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

Reuters reported last week that Russia had managed to deliver turbines made by Germany's Siemens to Crimea, which is subject to European sanctions barring E.U. companies from selling power equipment.

On Monday, Reuters reported that Siemens is doing everything possible to prevent installation of its turbines in Crimea. The company is also taking steps to prevent its affiliate Interautomatika from installing and servicing the equipment. Use of the power turbines is being discussed in Moscow on the diplomatic level.

Peskov said, “I will leave the question without comment but will add that turbines made in Russia from Russian components are indeed being installed in Crimea.”

However, Siemens said in a statement that the company received information from reliable sources that at least two of the four gas turbine units it delivered for a project in Russia had been moved to Crimea against the will of the company, and it would take criminal action against responsible individuals at Technopromexport, the customer.

“Over the last few months, our customer has confirmed to us numerous times in writing that delivery to Crimea would not occur. As a consequence, Siemens will initiate criminal charges against the responsible individuals,” the company said, adding that it will file suits seeking suspension of all additional supplies to Crimea and the return of already supplied turbines to the initial destination point of Taman.

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