StateWatch investigation subject Vladimir Lisin – the owner of major Russian enterprises, including Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant (NLMK) – continued fulfilling state defense orders for Russia’s military-industrial complex after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In particular, the company supplied isotopic steel to JSC “Izumrud,” which develops artillery control systems, engines for unmanned aerial vehicles, and bomb-dropping systems for drones.

At the same time, the Russian billionaire has appealed to Canada demanding the removal of sanctions imposed on him. He was sanctioned by Canada in June 2025. In July, he filed a request to be removed from the sanctions list. A response was expected within 90 days, however, the sanctions have not been lifted.