#Russian Missile Attacks

Russia is rapidly scaling up production of the rocket fuels that power its missiles and artillery, using imported chemicals and components sourced from companies across Europe, Asia, and Central Asia, according to internal documents.

Western tobacco-industry supply chains appear to have provided a route into Russia’s missile production chain. Internal procurement records, contracts, and customs data trace cellulose acetate manufactured by the European company Cerdia to a Russian plant that produces propellants for Kalibr cruise missiles used against Ukraine.

Russian missile production depends on Uzbek cotton cellulose, which is used to make propellant. Russia has no alternative source, shows leaked documentation obtained by UNITED24 Media. While the EU moves to sanction key firms in this chain, we explore how dependent Russia is on Uzbek cotton.

Ukraine does not have enough PAC-3 missiles to intercept Russian ballistic missiles, so the country has chosen a strategy it can implement under current conditions—destroying the very capability to launch those missiles.