US Sanctions Chinese, Russian Entities over Drones

The United States has imposed its first sanctions on Chinese companies for directly developing and producing weapons systems in collaboration with Russian firms, specifically targeting the Garpiya series long-range attack drones used by Russia in Ukraine. The sanctions target two Chinese companies, Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co and Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co, as well as Russian entities involved in the production and shipment of these drones. These measures mark a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to disrupt Russia's military capabilities by targeting the supply chains and foreign expertise it relies on. The targeted Chinese companies are accused of producing drone engines and facilitating the shipment of these UAVs to Russia, contributing to the destruction of critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Despite China's denial of supplying weapons to Russia, the U.S. aims to counteract the material support that Beijing provides to Moscow's military-industrial base. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also called on Western allies to increase military support and expedite Ukraine's NATO membership process to counter Russian aggression.