Title: Unveiling the Secret Supply Chain: How Two Asian Nations Fuel Russia’s War Machine
In a surprising turn of events, two nations from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have been identified as playing a crucial, albeit hidden, role in sustaining Russia’s military might. Despite their official stance of neutrality and support for international sanctions, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have emerged as key suppliers of a critical component for Russian military production: nitrocellulose.
Nitrocellulose, the primary ingredient in gunpowder, is manufactured by treating cellulose from cotton with concentrated nitric acid. According to a recent investigation by InformNapalm, an open-source intelligence platform, an astonishing 98% of the cotton cellulose required for Russia’s military industry comes from these two countries.
The cotton is freely transported to Russia, classified as a civilian good, often used in the production of paints or medicines. However, a significant portion of this material ends up in Russian military factories, where it is used to produce gunpowder and explosives.
Key Suppliers Unveiled
Several Russian companies have been identified as facilitating this supply chain. Bina Group, Kim Trade, and Lenna Kim are among the Russian companies that procure cotton cellulose from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan through intermediaries, subsequently delivering it to Russian factories.
The Fergana Chemical Plant in Uzbekistan holds a particular significance in this process. Owned by Russian citizens Mikhail Glohov and Rustam Mumynov, the plant supplied $2.2 million worth of material to Russian enterprises in 2022 alone. Notable recipients include the Kazan and Perm Pороh Plants.
Russian Poroх Plants: Key Recipients
- Kazan Poroх Plant: Produces gunpowder for small arms, aircraft, and tank artillery.
- Tambov Poroх Plant: Manufactures gunpowder for close-range combat, naval artillery, and air defense systems.
- Perm Poroх Plant: Supplies charges for intercontinental ballistic missiles ("Topol-M" and "Bulava") and multiple launch rocket systems ("Grad" and "Smerch").
The exposure of these supply chains threatens the effectiveness of international sanctions against Russia. By enabling Russia’s continued artillery operations, including the shelling of Ukrainian cities and villages, these hidden links undermine global efforts to contain Moscow’s military aggression.
While Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan maintain official neutrality and support sanctions, their cotton exports inadvertently bolster Russia’s military capabilities. Experts urge increased vigilance and controls over the supply of materials used in military production, including cotton cellulose.
Previously, Dialog.UA reported that, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), China has once again aligned with Russia’s stance on the war in Ukraine.
