Calling for intensified sanctions, the president reveals over 100,000 components from US, UK, and other international suppliers found in Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of utilizing drones and missiles equipped with parts manufactured by Western companies in its assaults on Ukraine.
In a statement shared on social media this Monday, Zelenskyy disclosed that the Russian weapons deployed during attacks over the past two nights contained tens of thousands of components originating from manufacturers in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and China.
“The launched attack drones included nearly 100,688 foreign-made parts, Iskander missiles contained approximately 1,500, Kinzhal missiles had 192, and Kalibr missiles included 405,” he detailed.
This revelation comes amid Ukraine and several European allies advocating for stricter sanctions and enhanced enforcement to close existing gaps in trade restrictions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Zelenskyy’s mention of US and UK companies is significant, given these nations’ prominent roles in providing military and financial aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
According to the Ukrainian leader, US firms supply converters used in Kh-101 missiles and Shahed-type drones, sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles and Kinzhal missiles, as well as microelectronics for various missile systems. British companies, he added, manufacture microcomputers essential for drone flight control.
“Ukraine is preparing to implement new sanctions targeting entities that support Russia’s war efforts,” Zelenskyy affirmed, noting that comprehensive information on each implicated company and product has been shared with international partners.
Long advocating for global action to halt the financing and arming of Russia’s military, Zelenskyy urged for more stringent measures ahead of a G7 sanctions coordinators meeting, the group responsible for overseeing sanction policies among the world’s leading economies.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian intelligence official Oleh Alexandrov revealed evidence suggesting China’s involvement in assisting Moscow with target identification in Ukraine. He stated there is “proof of extensive collaboration between Russia and China in satellite reconnaissance over Ukrainian territory to locate and analyze strategic targets.”
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refuted claims of dependence on Chinese satellites, asserting that Russia possesses “its own capabilities, including space-based assets, to fulfill all objectives of the special military operation.”
Zelenskyy’s announcement coincides with a surge in suspicious drone activity across several European nations.
Unmanned aerial vehicles have been detected near military installations and have caused disruptions in air traffic. Some governments have accused Russia of probing NATO’s air defense systems through these incursions.
Russia has denied involvement, with President Vladimir Putin ridiculing accusations linking Moscow to the drone incidents.
On Monday, the Kremlin dismissed as “unfounded” remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who suggested Russia was likely responsible for the drone activity.
Meanwhile, Oslo Airport temporarily halted several landings on Monday following reports of a drone in the vicinity, according to its operator, Avinor.
