Western firms secretly support Russian nuclear upgrades
An investigation by the German weekly "Der Spiegel" has revealed that Western companies are involved in the modernization of Russian nuclear silos. The collected evidence is a clear signal to the world that Western sanctions imposed on Russia are failing even in such critical areas.
In partnership with the Danish investigative portal Danwatch, "Der Spiegel" journalists analyzed contracts for the modernization of nuclear infrastructure signed in recent years by Russian government agencies.
Russians bypass sanctions
The investigation found that to modernize their infrastructure, Russian agencies announce official tenders that detail their requirements. Due to Western sanctions, they do not enter into direct contracts with Western companies but instead undertake actions to "cover their tracks."
Practically, this involves setting up a chain of intermediary companies. Access to confidential documentation related to Russian bases revealed that many materials used in the construction of Russian nuclear silos, including cement, adhesives, and various types of insulation, were imported from Western suppliers, particularly the German company Knauf.
German journalists sent an inquiry to Knauf regarding evidence of such usage of its materials. A company representative responded by explaining that they do not enter into agreements with the Russian Ministry of Defense or its subordinate entities. However, Russian divisions of the company reportedly sell goods manufactured in Russia "almost exclusively to independent building materials traders."
The findings of Danwatch and "Der Spiegel" concern, among other things, the base in Yasny, where two Russian missile regiments equipped with strategic Avangard missile systems—hypersonic weaponry capable of carrying nuclear warheads—are stationed.
Russians failed to secure key data
Norwegian military expert Tom Røseth believes that the documents, which the Russians were unable to secure, provide undeniable evidence of their modernization efforts. In his opinion, the Kremlin will now be forced to rebuild certain facilities to minimize the risks associated with data leaks.
Nuclear forces have long been a crucial 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.
