The United States has imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies accused of producing aerial drones utilized by Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. The US Treasury Department’s announcement also includes sanctions against a Russian firm and its owner, Artem Yamshchikov, identified as an intermediary between the Chinese companies and a state-owned Russian weapons manufacturer. Consequently, their properties and interests under US jurisdiction have been seized.
This action coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to the EU Council, where he detailed his “victory plan” and indicated that Ukraine has intelligence suggesting “China is still actively helping Russia prolong this war.” The sanctioned companies include Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co, which manufactures engines for Russia’s Garpiya long-range drones, and Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co, linked to drone shipments.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that these so-called “suicide drones” have significantly impacted critical infrastructure and resulted in numerous casualties. Thousands of these drones have reportedly been produced since last year.
US Treasury official Bradley Smith emphasized Russia’s growing reliance on foreign expertise and advanced technologies to support its military capabilities. In his speech, Zelensky accused North Korea and Iran of providing assistance to Russia’s war efforts and urged European leaders not to ease sanctions, asserting that such measures are vital for Ukraine’s cause.
Zelensky reiterated the importance of military pressure on Russia while defending Ukrainian territory. He called for the provision of long-range missiles to allow Ukraine to target Russian military installations directly. He framed his proposal as a “peace through strength approach,” stating, “Putin should respect our strength, not have the free world tremble at his threats.”
Although Kyiv seeks to strike back at the bases from which Russia has launched numerous airstrikes, Western allies, including the US and UK, have refrained from permitting long-range missile strikes on Russian territory. Zelensky pointed to a recent surprise offensive by Ukrainian forces into Russian territory as evidence that “Putin does not have enough strength to hold on when we really apply pressure.”
Additionally, he highlighted an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO as a critical element of his negotiation strategy, though he acknowledged that immediate membership would not follow. NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte recognized Zelensky’s proposal as a “strong signal” but affirmed that discussions about Ukraine’s membership would be a future consideration. Following Zelensky’s address, EU Council President Charles Michel stressed the urgency of providing more financial and military support to Ukraine.