TechWestern firms implicated in Russian nuclear upgrade scandal

Western firms implicated in Russian nuclear upgrade scandal

An investigation by the German weekly "Der Spiegel" has revealed that Western companies are involved in the modernisation of Russian nuclear silos. The collected evidence signals to the world that Western sanctions against Russia are failing, even in such critical areas.

Satellite image after the attempted launch of the Sarmat missile
Satellite image after the attempted launch of the Sarmat missile
Images source: © X, @realjakebroe
Mateusz Tomczak

In collaboration with the Danish investigative portal Danwatch, journalists from "Der Spiegel" analysed contracts for the modernisation of nuclear infrastructure signed in recent years by Russian government agencies.

Russians bypass sanctions

They discovered that these agencies announce official tenders for modernisation works, specifying their requirements in detail. Due to Western sanctions, they do not enter into direct contracts with Western companies but engage in activities to "cover their tracks".

In practice, this involves creating a chain of intermediary companies. Access to secret documentation concerning Russian bases and the work carried out there has shown that many materials used in the work on Russian nuclear silos, including cement, adhesives, and various types of insulation, were imported from Western suppliers, particularly the German company Knauf.

German journalists submitted an inquiry to Knauf regarding the evidence of such use of its materials. In response, a company representative explained that it does not enter into agreements with the Russian Ministry of Defence or any affiliated entities. The Russian branches of the company reportedly sell goods produced in Russia "almost exclusively to independent building materials traders".

The findings of Danwatch and "Der Spiegel" concern, among other places, the base in Yasny, where two Russian missile regiments equipped with strategic Avangard missile systems - hypersonic weapons capable of carrying nuclear warheads - are stationed.

Russians failed to protect crucial data

Norwegian military expert Tom Røseth believes the documents, which the Russians were unable to secure, are indisputable evidence of their efforts in modernising the nuclear infrastructure. In his view, the Kremlin will now be forced to rebuild certain facilities to minimise the risk associated with data leakage.

Nuclear forces have long been a significant aspect of Russia's foreign policy. It is one of the few countries with access to the so-called nuclear triad, which means the capability to launch missiles with nuclear warheads from land, sea, and air.

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