Russian weapons manufacturers hosted at Saudi trade event

Russian Helicopters, which manufactures the Ka-52 Alligator helicopter, is listed as an attendee at the Riyadh event. Photograph: AP

Seven sanctioned Russian companies, including a manufacturer of military helicopters deployed in the war in Ukraine, are visiting Saudi Arabia next week as part of a trade mission to increase business with the Gulf state.

Companies including weapons manufacturers with direct links to the Russian military, state corporations involved in the invasion of Ukraine, and the agency overseeing a Ukrainian nuclear plant in the country seized by the Russian military last year, are set to attend.