cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/51192897
Summary
Russian billionaires under Western sanctions own chemical companies supplying materials to crucial munitions plants for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, according to a Reuters investigation.
Railway and tax data show firms tied to Roman Abramovich, Andrey Melnichenko, and others provided chemicals like nitric acid and ammonium nitrate used in explosives manufacturing.
These companies, which mostly produce fertilizers exempt from sanctions, highlight loopholes in Western policies.
Experts suggest stricter measures, though concerns remain about global food security impacts.
The findings underscore challenges in curbing Russia’s military production amid ongoing conflict.
While the billionaires themselves are all under Western sanctions, the chemical companies involved have largely escaped major financial penalties or bans on their import of critical goods from the USA or the European Union.
