European politicians call to impose sanctions on ammo raw material supplies to Russia

European politicians call for sanctions against companies that supply nitrocellulose to Russia and an embargo on supplies to Russia for nitrocellulose, cotton pulp, and cotton used in ammunition production.

German and Chinese companies export to Russia raw materials suitable for ammunition production. Nitrocellulose is a substance necessary for the production of smokeless gunpowder. 

According to Bundestag Member Roderich Kiesewetter, since Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine, German companies trading in nitrocellulose have conducted 41 transactions with Russians worth almost $4 million.

The supply of raw materials used to produce explosives to Russia from Western countries is unacceptable, and sanctions must be introduced against companies that supply nitrocellulose to Russia and introduce an embargo on the supply to the Russian Federation of nitrocellulose, cotton pulp, and cotton used in the production of ammunition.

This was stated by the member of the Bundestag (CDU/CSU) and member of the committee on foreign affairs, Roderich Kiesewetter, in a comment to Guildhall.

“The fact that Western partners, in particular Germany, continue to support the Russian military machine by providing the Russians with raw materials for the production of explosives (nitrocellulose) is alarming,” the German MP said.

Viola von Kramon-Taubadel, a Member of the European Parliament, called on the EU to combat the Russian military’s supply of critical materials and extend sanctions. She stated that the European Union should extend sanctions to companies and individuals supplying raw material (nitrocellulose) to Russia for ammunition production. Viola von Kramon-Taubadel made this comment to Guildhall.

“We must do more to prevent sanctions evasion and combat the supply of critical materials to the Russian military complex. Unfortunately, Russia is learning how to diversify its supplies and evade sanctions—nitrocellulose is a case in point. For this reason, the EU and G7 partners are developing additional sanctions that target Russian individuals and companies, as well as those of third countries,” the lawmaker said.

She noted, for example, that in the recent 13th package of sanctions, the EU designated individuals and entities from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China.

In recent months, Russia has increased its production of weapons and ammunition. The Russian defense industry is now capable of producing almost 3 million rounds of ammunition a year, while the US and the EU together produce only 1.2 million, according to CNN, quoting its sources.