"Dekleptocracy, a civil society group that researches Russia's war economy, says chemicals used to make mechanical lubricants and military-grade tyres are a vulnerability that US, UK and EU policymakers could exploit. Kristofer Harrison, the group's president and a former State Department expert on Russia, described the targets as weedy and specific, unlike the microchips and oil companies that generally draw the attention of governments and agencies. But they are hard to replace and essential to Moscow's ability to field tanks and fight."
"Only a handful of companies worldwide make chemical additives for mechanical lubricants motor oil for tanks and cars. Almost all of them stopped selling the chemicals to Russia at the start of its full-scale invasion, leading to widespread shortages and complaints from motorists. Dekleptocracy found that one Chinese company, Xinxiang Richful, now satisfies a large part of Russia's demand, supplying up to eight million kilograms a year."
Dekleptocracy identified chemicals for mechanical lubricants and vulcanisation accelerants as critical vulnerabilities in Russia's war economy. Only a small number of firms worldwide produce the chemical additives required for motor oil and military lubricants. Most suppliers ceased sales to Russia after the full-scale invasion, creating shortages and public complaints. One Chinese company, Xinxiang Richful, now supplies a large share of Russia's demand, up to eight million kilograms annually, and has opened an office in Virginia. Russia has limited domestic capacity to produce key tyre chemicals. Blocking remaining foreign suppliers could produce critical shortages that impair tank operations and mobility.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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