Ukrainian forces struck the 1.U-272 and 2.U-272 gas separation units at Russia’s Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant on August 24.

Ukrainian forces struck the 1.U-272 and 2.U-272 gas separation units at Russia’s Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant on August 24. The damage is expected to halt roughly another 25% of the plant’s production capacity and further reduce sulfur output. Russia is already importing sulfur for domestic needs. Sulfur is used to produce black powder, while sulfuric acid is required for the synthesis of explosives including TNT, RDX and HMX.