These sanctions could hit Russia hard

A study finds a Russian supply gap: Western sanctions could hit Moscow hard.

Thomas Vanhove/t-online

Sanctions targeting Moscow and Russian businesses have been repeatedly imposed since Russia attacked Ukraine. But even though things are getting tense for ruler Vladimir Putin in some areas of the economy: they are not over the war in Ukraine yet.

Russian soldiers in front of a howitzer (file image): Sanctions may make it more difficult to produce these weapons, a study suggests.Image: trapezoid

It could also be because vital Russian supply routes remain open. Drone components and the microelectronics they contain can be purchased anywhere in the world. But the Russian military has an Achilles' heel that could be hit hard by targeted sanctions.

A study by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and the Open Source Center (OSC) has identified three areas where the Russian military's combat capabilities could be severely limited.

Investigations by the study authors show that the Russian artillery supply chain is complex, with important raw materials and components coming from abroad. «More than 70% of computer-controlled machines in Russia come from China, 55% of chromium is imported, and nitrocellulose is also imported [wichtig für die Munitionsproduktion, d. Red.] A 70% increase since 2022,” the report said.

Barrels need chrome

For example, Russia itself can only produce a limited amount of ammunition and relies on supplies from North Korea. The same goes for weapons production, a sector already affected by Western sanctions. However, the study authors still see a gap: Ukraine's partners should sanction goods that Russia absolutely must import for armaments.

The study authors identified a particular weakness in one area: the production of howitzers, their tubes, and ammunition. Russian artillery is feared in Ukraine; most Russian attacks near the front lines are supported by howitzer salvoes.

Chromium is used in the production of gun barrels and ruler Vladimir Putin's government must import it. A large portion comes from Kazakhstan. The production of ammunition requires cotton fiber, which is an important component of nitrocellulose. This is used in the grenade's propellant charge.

Russia's main suppliers are Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. According to the study, both goods should be placed on Western sanctions lists. The two former Soviet republics have been wary of engaging with the West in recent years. According to the study, this could be a way to implement sanctions in cooperation with a pro-Ukrainian coalition

Computer controlled machines should also be on the list. According to the author, these were also used in the production of howitzers. However, most of these machines come from China, which has not yet joined Western sanctions. Furthermore, studies show that Western-produced machines are often purchased by China and then sold to Russia.

“The evidence gathered in this article suggests that Ukraine's Western partners could better prevent Russia from maintaining its artillery supply chain by focusing their coordination efforts on raw materials and components procured outside Russia's borders,” the report said in its summary. including sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

«A coordinated approach with additional resources to perform and disrupt [der Lieferungen] There will be a greater chance of success. Disrupting the artillery supply chain should be a top priority, and if the vulnerabilities identified in this report are successfully disrupted over a sustained period, Russia will find it difficult to meet its demand for artillery ammunition and barrels – which are critical to Ukraine's survival, ” said the authors who preceded them.

Sources used:

Tonight we changed the clocks again (in case you didn't notice). This means we are “given” one hour of sleep. To keep up to date, we've rounded up the weirdest time zone boundaries for you right here.

It’s that time of year again, winter has begun. The time change to winter time occurs on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 3 a.m.