The European Union is finalizing its 16th sanctions package against Russia, scheduled for adoption ahead of the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The package is expected to include restrictions on Russian aluminum imports, measures against the Kremlin’s “shadow fleet,” a phased reduction of liquefied natural gas imports, and additional banking sector sanctions. However, the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU) emphasizes the need to include chromite—a critical raw material for Russia’s artillery production.
Chromium: Essential for Russia’s Artillery and Delivered with EU Involvement
Chromium is indispensable for Russian artillery. Chrome-plating artillery barrels mitigates the harmful effects of combustion and extends the service life of howitzers by 2.5–3 times. As a result, Russia uses chromium for manufacturing and maintaining modern weapons as well as refurbishing Cold War-era artillery systems.
Due to the low quality of domestic chromium deposits, Russia depends on imported chromium-containing products. According to a joint report by ESCU analysts, RUSI, and OSC, Russia imported the following in 2023:
- Chromite (chromium ore): $37 million
- Chromium compounds: $24.9 million
- Chromium-alloyed steel: $7.7 million
- Pure chromium: $412,000
The main suppliers include South Africa, Kazakhstan, China, and India. Despite existing sanctions, EU entities have played a significant role in facilitating chromium deliveries. In 2023, 50% of imported chromite destined for Russia—worth $18 million—was re-exported through Dutch entities.
“Russia’s reliance on imported chromium creates a strategic opportunity to disrupt its military-industrial complex through targeted sanctions. Limiting chromium supplies could significantly impair Russia’s ability to manufacture and repair artillery, directly weakening its capacity to wage war against Ukraine,” said Denys Hutyk, Executive Director of ESCU.
Recommendations from the Economic Security Council of Ukraine
To block Russia’s access to chromite and other chromium-containing materials, ESCU recommends the following actions for Ukraine’s allies:
- Expand the Common High-Priority Items List (CHPL) to include key chromium products imported by Russia.
- Impose financial and trade restrictions on Russian and foreign companies that produce or supply chromium products for Russia’s defense sector.
- Amend export regulations to include chromite, chromium ore, and chromium compounds.
- Issue detailed guidance and warnings to businesses about the risks of chromium being used in Russia’s military production.
- Coordinate sanctions enforcement with partners in the sanctions coalition to close any gaps in chromium supplies to Russia.