How Western-Made Cigarette Materials End Up in Russian Missiles
Investigation reveals supply chain links between European chemicals and military production
Russia is using imported raw materials from European companies to produce key military equipment, including missiles, according to a recent investigation (розслідування) published by StateWatch and United24 Media on April 3.
The report reveals documents showing how cellulose acetate, produced by the European company Cerdia, is funneled through intermediaries in the tobacco sector before reaching a Russian factory essential for the production of Kalibr cruise missiles. These findings highlight the continued presence (присутність) of Western materials in Moscow’s weapons despite years of sanctions.
Cellulose acetate, a chemical compound widely used in cigarette filters, belongs to a broader class of cellulose derivatives critical for manufacturing gunpowder and rocket fuel. Russia lacks the capacity to produce this material at scale and therefore relies heavily on imports, demonstrating a structural dependency (залежність).
Cerdia, a leading global producer of cellulose acetate, sold its products to intermediaries who then transferred them to Russia’s Perm Powder Plant. This state enterprise produces rocket fuel and plays a central role in the Kalibr missile production chain. The plant has been sanctioned by the European Union due to its involvement in Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, emphasizing its strategic importance (важливість).
A letter from Russian missile manufacturer NPO Novator, part of the Almaz-Antey conglomerate, confirms the need to use foreign-supplied cellulose acetate because of the lack of domestic alternatives. This highlights a critical technological gap (прогалина) in Russia’s industrial capabilities.
Documents also show that cellulose derivatives are used in the production of multiple Russian weapons, including KAB-500 and KAB-1500 guided aerial bombs, S-300 and Buk air defense systems, and the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, illustrating the broad application (застосування) of these materials.
Evidence obtained by investigators, including customs data and internal contracts, indicates that at least 30 tons of cellulose acetate purchased from Cerdia were delivered to the Perm Powder Plant and used in missile production. A letter from the company confirming the supply of cellulose acetate flakes was also found in the plant’s records, reinforcing the documented traceability (відстежуваність) of the supply chain.
Internal contracts point to the role of A2 Group LLC as a key intermediary supplying foreign products to Russia’s defense industry. Rather than appearing as a direct importer, the company acquires cellulose acetate from tobacco firms, its primary civilian market, demonstrating a complex system of intermediation (посередництво).
Other companies, including Gulbakhars Rus LLC and Sertov LLC, have imported millions of dollars’ worth of Cerdia products into Russia since the beginning of the full-scale war. Sertov appears to act as a link between civilian imports and the defense sector and has confirmed ties with military enterprises, including contracts with the Perm Powder Plant, revealing a layered network (мережа) of supply channels.
The investigation outlines a multi-tiered system of sanctions evasion, where foreign-made raw materials are imported via civilian companies, purchased by intermediaries, and ultimately directed to military production facilities. These materials then end up in missiles and bombs used against Ukrainian cities, illustrating systematic circumvention (обхід) of restrictions.
Although Western countries have banned many dual-use exports, Russia has adapted by relying on third countries, complex logistics, and smuggling networks to obtain restricted goods, highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcement and regulatory oversight (нагляд).
Stock image of a Russian Kalibr cruise missile.
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