The Russian Research Institute of Applied Chemistry, which is under international sanctions, continues to secure key components for the production of banned RG-V chemical grenades. Journalists have found that the necessary materials are supplied by two Russian companies that have not yet been subjected to Western economic restrictions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Which Companies Supply Components for Chemical Weapons
According to the investigation, the institute receives pyrotechnic delays from the “Saransk Mechanical Plant,” while solvents, including chloroform and acetone, come from the company “EurochemInvest.” These substances are used in the creation of toxic gases CS and CN, which are components of the latest RG-V grenades. The pyrotechnic delays U-515M and U-517M ensure the initiation of gas release when the ammunition is used.
Despite their collaboration with a sanctioned defense enterprise, neither of these two companies is subject to restrictions from the USA, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or Japan. At the same time, the restrictions from these countries apply to companies that trade with sanctioned organizations, including the institute of applied chemistry itself, which is part of the state corporation “Rostec.”
Chemical Grenades and Their Scale of Use
RG-V grenades consist of particularly dangerous gases capable of causing fatal consequences for humans. Their use in warfare is prohibited by international law due to their extreme cruelty—such ammunition is thrown into enemy shelters to force them to surface, after which an attack is carried out.
“Since December 2023, Russian units have been massively using this type of grenade, according to the investigation.”
Supplies of components for the production of chemical weapons in 2024 are confirmed by data from Russia’s tax databases, which journalists have accessed. However, the “Saransk Mechanical Plant” and “EurochemInvest” did not respond to requests for comments.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine, over ten thousand chemical attacks by Russia have been recorded since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Until December 2023, Russian military forces primarily used Soviet-style gas grenades, and later, the latest RG-V grenades.
In November 2024, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons officially confirmed the use of chemical weapons by Russia against Ukraine. The Russian Federation completely rejects these accusations, calling them insinuations.
