Recent revelations show that aerospace giants Boeing and Rolls-Royce have actively lobbied the U.S. Congress to prevent further sanctions on Russia, particularly those targeting critical metal exports like titanium. According to disclosures analyzed by Novaya Gazeta Europe, Boeing spent $2.6 million on lobbying in early 2025, while Rolls-Royce spent $250,000. The extent to which these funds targeted Russia-related issues remains unclear, but the motive is evident: titanium.
Before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Boeing sourced about one-third of its titanium from Russian producer VSMPO-AVISMA. Rolls-Royce relied on Russia for around 20%. Despite public claims of severing ties, investigations suggest both companies continued to acquire Russian titanium through intermediaries. The U.S. Commerce Department has since placed VSMPO-AVISMA under export restrictions, but a total ban on Russian titanium remains under discussion.
While Boeing and Rolls-Royce’s reliance on Russian titanium exposes vulnerabilities, the bigger strategic threat is China’s dominance in global critical minerals supply chains — including rare earths, lithium, and increasingly titanium.
China has long used its control over critical resources as a geopolitical weapon, as seen in rare earths embargo threats and its aggressive global mining investments. Should the U.S. allow dependencies on authoritarian regimes like Russia and China to persist, national security risks will only grow.
China is rapidly expanding its influence in the titanium market, both through domestic production and overseas acquisitions. By turning a blind eye to dependencies on Russia, American firms risk falling into an even more dangerous reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains. In a future conflict or geopolitical standoff, Beijing could restrict access to these materials, crippling key U.S. industries, including aerospace and defense.
Furthermore, VSMPO-AVISMA's ties to the Kremlin are deeply concerning. With Rostec, a Russian state defense conglomerate, holding a 25% stake, continued business with VSMPO indirectly strengthens Russia’s war machine. Mikhail Shelkov, VSMPO's controlling shareholder, remains unsanctioned despite his inclusion on anti-corruption watchlists.
Yet, Boeing and Rolls-Royce are not alone. U.S. nuclear energy firms, including Uranium Energy Corporation and Terrapower, are lobbying to ease bans on Russian uranium imports. This mirrors America's dangerous energy dependence on adversarial states.
The lesson is clear: America must prioritize supply chain security over short-term corporate profits. Relying on hostile regimes for critical materials is economic self-sabotage and a national security liability.
While the headlines focus on Boeing and Rolls-Royce lobbying for Russian titanium, the underlying issue is broader — China’s long-term strategy of resource dominance poses an even greater threat.
Washington must recognize that every dependency on authoritarian suppliers, be it Russia or China, weakens America’s strategic position.
If the U.S. fails to diversify and secure its own supply of critical minerals, it risks not only economic losses but also strategic paralysis in future geopolitical confrontations.
Sanctions on Russia are not just about punishing aggression — they are about decoupling from fragile, politically weaponized supply chains. Turning a blind eye today will embolden Beijing tomorrow.
