Despite sanctions, Russia can still rely on its two Central Asian neighbors, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, for gunpowder components. Their exports of gunpowder's primary ingredient, cotton pulp, have surged since Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine, the OCCRP journalists' investigation shows.
Russian importers purchase cotton pulp and supply it to the Kazan gunpowder factory that manufactures gunpowder for the Russian army. The supplies of cotton pulp from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan fuel Putin's war.
Uzbek companies, mainly Fergana Chemical Factory and Raw Materials Cellulose, exported almost $9 million worth of cotton pulp to Russia in January–September 2023.
Cotton pulp can be used for a variety of products, but it is subject to export limits in the EU since it can be used for military purposes.
The EU should scrutinize companies from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and impose secondary sanctions if this data is confirmed. Supporting Putin’s war machine undermines Western aid for Ukraine and brings the war closer to the EU’s borders.
