**Russia Imports Chemicals to Evade Sanctions**
Russia is importing large quantities of chemicals from fertilizer companies that are not subject to international sanctions. These chemicals are essential for the production of explosives, such as TNT and gunpowder.
According to documents seen by Bloomberg, the Russian explosives manufacturer JSC Spetskhimiya has ordered tens of thousands of tons of nitric acid and a nitric-sulphuric-acid mix from EuroChem Group AG and UralChem JSC. These companies are not subject to strict US and EU sanctions due to their importance in global food security.
Despite the fact that many Russian plants have been sanctioned for their role in Moscow’s war effort, these chemicals will be delivered to Russia over the course of 2025. The volume of nitric acid being shipped would allow Russia to manufacture at least 6,500 artillery shells per day this year.
**Sanction Evasion Schemes**
The chemical orders appear to have been confirmed and will arrive in Russia despite EU sanctions on JSC Spetskhimiya imposed in June 2024. Both EuroChem and UralChem have ties to sanctioned Russian billionaires, but they claim their products are intended for use in agriculture and civil industry.
**War in Ukraine**
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues with both sides accusing each other of false propaganda and attempts to deceive the world. The Ukrainian General Staff stated that “the military department of the aggressor country is spreading false and groundless accusations in order to prolong the war”.
**Support for Ukraine**
In contrast, relations between Ukraine and the US are reported to be “back on track” with Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak stating that they have made progress. The EU has also announced a loan of €270 million for Ukraine’s Naftogaz to purchase gas for the next two winters.
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