Russia has intensified its imports of a crucial explosive compound, nitrocellulose, necessary for munitions production, in defiance of Western sanctions aimed at curtailing its military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Russia has doubled its imports of nitrocellulose from Western nations, circumventing international sanctions. This compound plays a vital role in manufacturing artillery ammunition.

Despite facing a scarcity and escalating prices of nitrocellulose, essential for artillery ammunition production and subject to international trade restrictions, Russia has witnessed a remarkable surge in its imports of this compound.

In 2022, the first year of the Ukrainian invasion, imports rose by 70%, and by mid-2023, the volume had nearly doubled compared to 2021, reaching 3,039 tons.

The surge in imports, despite international constraints, highlights the critical role of nitrocellulose in Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.

While the compound has civilian applications, the escalated imports are believed to be primarily for arms production, reflecting Russia’s shift towards wartime manufacturing.

Analysts suggest that these imports are being directed towards projectile production or as substitutes for domestic production.

In response to sanctions from the U.S. and the European Union, China has increased its supply of nitrocellulose to Russia. Notably, companies from the U.S., Germany, and Taiwan have also contributed to these shipments over the past two years.

While a Chinese embassy spokesperson maintained that China’s trade with Russia is prudent and not aimed at any third party, a significant portion of these imports has been facilitated by a small Turkish company, Noy İç Ve Diş Ti̇caret, which emerged as a major supplier following the invasion.

International Flavors & Fragrances, a New York-based company, expressed surprise at the continuation of its suspended shipments through a third party and is currently reviewing the sale conditions.

Similarly, German company Hagedorn and Taiwanese company TNC Industrial, named as producers of nitrocellulose shipped to Russia, assert that their products are intended for civilian use and are below military-grade.

The implications of Russia’s substantial increase in nitrocellulose imports are significant, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

NATO countries are grappling with a nitrocellulose shortage, impacting their own munitions production for Ukraine.

In response, the U.S. Commerce Department and the Treasury Department have implemented measures to restrict Russia’s access to such materials and have imposed sanctions on entities supporting Russia’s military-industrial base.

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