Rosatom imported components for the Russian military industry against the background of the war

Already after the Russian attack on Ukraine, Rosatom could import materials and electronics for the manufacturers of missiles, projectiles and armored vehicles. This is reported by The Washington Post with reference to internal documents of the Russian state corporation intercepted by Ukrainian intelligence.

The publication notes that one of Rosatom’s letters, dated last October, refers to a meeting of the corporation’s employees with representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the military-industrial complex of Russia. “Rosatom” has offered to supply components to military units and weapons factories that have come under sanctions, The Washington Post reports.

In particular, the meeting was attended by manufacturers of missile systems from the Almaz-Antey concern, aerial bombs and salvo fire systems of the Tehmash plant, missiles for the Iskander complexes of the Vysokotochnye Kompleks company.

Detailed descriptions of products available for use by the Russian military and defense industry are attached to the letter provided by The Washington Post. The newspaper writes that aluminum oxide used in rocket fuel, lithium-ion batteries for tanks and air defense systems, and 3D printing technology are among the components that Rosatom was ready to import to the market.

It is unknown how many components were supplied to the Russian market through the corporation. The Washington Post mentions one case – the Renera company bought one million dollars worth of lithium-ion battery components from South Korea against the background of the war with Ukraine.

The experts polled by the newspaper admit that the Russian authorities could use Rosatom to circumvent sanctions.

Until now, the company has avoided restrictions, in particular, due to its active participation in civil nuclear power around the world, including Western Europe and the USA. In addition, Rosatom controls about 30% of the world uranium enrichment market and 17% of the reactor fuel market.

Restrictions against the Russian nuclear sector may be included in the tenth package of European Union sanctions. In particular, the Baltic countries and Poland advocate restrictions on the Russian corporation. The offer is blocked by Hungary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called on all states to end any nuclear cooperation with Russia. Kyiv accused Rosatom of involvement in the seizure of the Zaporozhye NPP.

The Russian side has not yet commented on The Washington Post’s publication.