Russia Uses Fertilizer Producers to Procure Explosive Components
Tens of thousands of tons of nitric acid and a nitric-sulphuric-acid mix have been ordered for entities and plants controlled by JSC Spetskhimiya, one of Russia’s biggest makers of explosives, Bloomberg reports. These acids are key ingredients in TNT, gunpowder, and other explosives critically needed to sustain Russian aggression.
Deliveries were carried out by subsidiaries of fertilizer producers EuroChem Group AG and JSC UralChem. These companies have so far evaded sanctions because their fertilizer products are considered crucial for global food security.
The EU Rejects Trump and Putin's Proposal to Ease Sanctions
EU leaders have firmly rejected proposals from US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin for a gradual easing of sanctions on Russia. EU diplomats insist that sanctions cannot be lifted until a complete ceasefire is established and Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine.
Additionally, since SWIFT is headquartered in Belgium and subject to EU rules, reconnecting Russian banks to the network remains impossible.
The German government specifically stated it has no information regarding plans to readmit Russian banks to SWIFT, dismissing claims arising from Moscow-Washington discussions.
US Eases Sanctions Enforcement Against Russia
The US administration has significantly scaled back its involvement in international task forces aimed at preventing Russian sanctions evasion, prompting concern among European partners. This reduced US engagement could undermine the effectiveness of global sanctions.
European leaders emphasize that easing sanctions without achieving concrete results may hinder efforts to end the war and restore regional stability.
Major Oil Traders Ready to Return to Russia
Major oil trading companies, including Gunvor, Mercuria, Trafigura, and Vitol, have expressed readiness to return to the Russian market if sanctions are lifted. They emphasized that any return would involve lengthy negotiations and careful consideration of legal risks.
India Resumes Russian Oil Imports Despite US Sanctions
India has resumed significant imports of Russian oil despite US sanctions introduced in January that banned such purchases, having secured additional tankers for transportation. More than 60 oil cargoes are expected to arrive in April, significantly reducing India’s need for more expensive alternatives.
Kazakhstan Banks Cease Payments to Russia
Following a new US sanctions package targeting 50 Russian banks, financial institutions in Kazakhstan have begun blocking payments to Russia. Kazakh banks fear secondary sanctions and are requiring their clients to halt cooperation with Russian entities.
Rosneft May Lose Its Last Major Foreign Asset Due to Sanctions
Russian oil company Rosneft is seeking a buyer for its stake in India's Nayara Energy, as sanctions have rendered it unable to repatriate profits. Preliminary negotiations with Indian and international firms have thus far stalled due to risks associated with secondary sanctions.
More news is available in the Monitoring of the Russian information space by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine.
