EU hits Russian drone makers with sanctions over Kyiv strikes

The European Union has imposed new sanctions on six entities linked to Russia's military-industrial complex, citing Moscow's deadly strikes on Kyiv in early July and the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

The EU Council announced on July 17 that restrictive measures had been introduced against one individual and five organizations involved in the production of drones and related military technologies.

"In view of Russia’s continued and escalating aggression against Ukraine — including its recent deadly strikes on Kyiv during the nights of 1 and 5 July 2026, and its brutal military campaign deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure — the Council today decided to impose restrictive measures against one individual and five organizations," the EU Council said in a statement.

According to the statement, the sanctioned entities are part of Russia's military-industrial complex and are involved in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and related components.

The EU said all five organizations belong to the ABS Electro group of companies, which "develops and manufactures electronic and radio-electronic components necessary for combat operations using drones."

The bloc added that these companies "contribute to the development of systems that enhance the capabilities of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles, such as Shahed and Geran-type drones, increasing their resistance to electronic warfare measures."

"In addition, several companies produce automated control systems for the Russian energy sector, providing a substantial source of revenue for the Russian government," the EU Council statement said.

The individual targeted by the sanctions is Iryna Kharisova, chairperson of the board of the ABS Electro group of companies and director of several firms within the group, according to the EU.

The sanctions include an asset freeze and restrictions on entry into the European Union.

By Vafa Guliyeva