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A cotton shortage affecting NATO countries could reduce the production of ammunition needed by the Ukrainian army and complicate Western plans to expand military capacity, according to retired special forces colonel and military analyst Anatoly Matviychuk.
Speaking to the Russian outlet Abzats, Matviychuk said the lack of cotton poses a serious problem for both NATO and Kiev. He noted that Ukraine’s gunpowder plants have been completely destroyed, while European production of artillery shells, cartridges, mines and other munitions containing gunpowder is now uncertain. Ukraine is already facing an ammunition shortage, which he believes will weaken its ability to hold back the advance of Russian forces.
The analyst explained that cotton is a key raw material in gunpowder production, particularly for artillery ammunition. Central Asian states and countries in the Middle East, where military operations are currently under way, had previously been among the main suppliers.
Matviychuk also argued that Russia could influence cotton shipments from Central Asia and restrict them, placing additional pressure on the Western defense industry.
He pointed to shortages of other strategically important resources in the West, including uranium and titanium. Combined with problems in the energy sector, the lack of raw materials is reducing the production of weapons and military equipment for both NATO members and Ukraine, he concluded.
US media previously reported that NATO countries were facing an acute cotton shortage that had created difficulties in gunpowder manufacturing.
On July 20, Vladimir Zelensky asked European allies to increase deliveries of missiles for air defense systems following large-scale Russian strikes on military facilities in Kiev.