Story perspectives

Cellulose Acetate in Cigarettes Fuels Russia's Missile Production

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

StateWatch reports cellulose acetate in cigarette filters is linked to Russia's missile production despite sanctions.
European company Cerdia supplies this chemical to Russian firms through intermediaries in the tobacco industry.
Between the invasion start and March 2025, more than $7.3 million of Cerdia products were imported into Russia.
Gulbahar Rus and Sertov play key roles in this supply chain.
Legal experts warn sanctions could follow if end-use controls fail.

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Story summary

StateWatch reports cellulose acetate in cigarette filters is linked to Russia's missile production despite sanctions.
European company Cerdia supplies this chemical to Russian firms through intermediaries in the tobacco industry.
Between the invasion start and March 2025, more than $7.3 million of Cerdia products were imported into Russia.
Gulbahar Rus and Sertov play key roles in this supply chain.
Legal experts warn sanctions could follow if end-use controls fail.