Anna Hartz
Wars often depend on things most people never think about. We imagine tanks, rockets, and long supply lines. Yet small components and chemicals can matter just as much.
When one of those elements runs short, an army can slow down fast. This idea has gained new attention as experts search for ways to weaken Russia’s ability to continue its war in Ukraine.
Pressure Points
A US civil society group called Dekleptocracy has released new research on this issue, reports Digi24. The group says several lesser-known chemicals could become pressure points against Russia. These chemicals are used for the production of mechanical lubricants and military tires. They are simple compared to the major targets usually discussed by governments. However, they are difficult to replace and essential for keeping vehicles moving.
Kristofer Harrison, the group’s president and a former State Department official, said these are “weak and specific” targets. He explained that Moscow cannot easily source them from other suppliers. According to the report, a shortage of lubricants would slow Russia’s military operations. Only a few companies in the world produce the necessary additives.
Most stopped selling to Russia after the invasion began. This left Russia with shortages and complaints from drivers.
A Weak Sector
Dekleptocracy says that a Chinese company called Xinxiang Richful is now filling much of the demand. The company provides as much as eight million kilograms a year. It recently opened an office in Virginia. The group argues that blocking this company and several smaller suppliers could cause another shortage.
The group also found that Russia has limited capacity to produce chemicals used to make military-grade tires. These include vulcanization accelerators and similar materials. Russia launched an initiative this year to try to produce hundreds of chemicals at home. Dekleptocracy views this as proof of a weak sector.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said that most major sanctions have already been imposed. He pointed to sanctions placed on Rosneft and Lukoil in October. Experts say it is too early to judge their impact. They stress that enforcement matters as much as naming new targets. Dekleptocracy and other groups continue to search for overlooked areas in Russia’s supply chain. They say these gaps could slow the war machine if governments act on them.
Sources: The Guardian, Digi24
