Despite the sanctions imposed on Russia, investigations reveal that essential resources continue to flow from Europe to support Russian military operations. The Kyiv Independent's investigation highlights a complex network of companies supplying glycerin, a key ingredient for explosives, as well as additives for military equipment. It points to the involvement of Russian intelligence agencies like the GRU and FSB, indicating that regulatory gaps allow these transactions to go unnoticed by European authorities.

The Russian military’s operations on the front lines require not only soldiers but also substantial quantities of industrial chemicals to maintain military hardware and stockpile ammunition. Raw glycerin is among the most crucial substances as it can be easily converted into nitroglycerin, which is used in the manufacture of gunpowder and explosives for artillery shells and standard firearms. The investigation indicates that the Delfin Group, a major player in the Russian petrochemical industry, utilizes a convoluted network of European firms and logistics centers to circumvent existing export controls.

This situation raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of the sanctions imposed on Russia and the diligence of European authorities in enforcing these restrictions. The findings call into question the integrity of current regulations surrounding the export of critical materials and underscore the need for more stringent oversight to prevent European companies from inadvertently aiding Russia’s military capabilities amidst ongoing conflict.