Europe's defence dilemma: Relying on Russian resources
Although the invasion of Ukraine triggered a wave of international sanctions, Russia's influence on the global economy remains significant. The Kremlin still controls resources that play a crucial role in the global energy sector and are essential for Europe's defence industry.
Michael Wurmser, director of the Norwegian mining company Norge Mining, emphasised during one of his speeches that despite international sanctions against Russia, Chinese supplies of tungsten continue. This material is transported via the only railway linking East Asia with Europe, which passes through Russian territory. Europe has no other choice, because without tungsten, the production of modern equipment such as tanks or anti-tank ammunition would be impossible.
Europe and the USA in the grasp of Rosatom
It is worth noting that tungsten is a key resource for German defence giants such as Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, as well as the Polish company Mesko. Thanks to it, renowned missiles such as the Piorun, which are highly valued in Ukraine, are produced. Furthermore, tungsten is essential in the repair and modernisation of Leopard 2 tanks, which are also supplied to Ukraine.
This is not the only case where the West is reliant on Russian resources. The Russian state company Rosatom is responsible for supplying about 30% of the world's enriched uranium demand. This dependency is also present in the United States, where 20 to 25% of the demand for this mineral is met by Russia.
Additionally, Rosatom accounts for 17% of the world's nuclear fuel production. Due to Rosatom's critical importance to the functioning of the global economy, Western countries have not yet imposed sanctions against it. Bloomberg reported that Rosatom supplies nearly one-fifth of the enriched uranium necessary for 92 reactors in the United States. In Europe, energy companies powering 100 million people rely on cooperation with Rosatom.
Moscow easily evades sanctions
According to information presented by the American daily "The Washington Post," the Kremlin is using its situation to stock up on strategic resources necessary for the defence industry. The operation principle is clear: those resources that cannot be officially delivered due to imposed sanctions are ordered through Rosatom. This is possible because the company also uses resources applicable to the defence industry in its operations.
Regarding the topic of tungsten, it is worth noting that Europe, wanting to support Ukraine in defending against Russian aggression, finds itself reliant on its strategic competitors. To produce or modernise military equipment necessary for combat, European countries must import this resource from the eastern coast of China. The most efficient route is the Trans-Siberian Railway.
