By Oluchi Omai
The United States has announced new sanctions on three companies and one individual involved in the production of Russia’s Garpiya long-range attack drones, which have been used in the ongoing war against Ukraine. These drones, developed in collaboration with Chinese defense firms, have been deployed to target and destroy critical infrastructure in Ukraine, leading to significant damage and loss of life.
The U.S. Department of State, in a statement released on October 17, 2024, emphasized that these sanctions are aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to wage war against Ukraine. The Garpiya drones, designed and produced in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), have been used by the Russian military to carry out devastating attacks, contributing to the destruction of vital infrastructure and mass casualties in Ukraine.
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The sanctions target entities that have been directly involved in the development and production of military equipment for a Russian defense firm that had already been sanctioned by the United States. This Russian firm has been supplying advanced weapons technology for use in the conflict against Ukraine. The newly sanctioned individuals and companies played a key role in providing essential support for the production of the Garpiya drones, which have been deployed by Russian forces.
This move marks a significant step by the U.S. government in expanding its sanctions regime to include Chinese entities that are involved in the direct development and production of complete weapons systems in partnership with Russian firms. While the U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on Chinese entities supplying critical components to Russia’s military industry, this is the first time the U.S. has targeted Chinese entities directly involved in developing entire weapons systems.
The sanctions are part of the U.S.’s ongoing effort to disrupt Russia’s ability to acquire advanced weapons technology and to hinder its military-industrial base. The U.S. government has been actively imposing financial and trade restrictions on individuals and organizations that provide support to Russia’s military operations, particularly those involved in the production of weapons used against Ukraine.
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In his statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to holding accountable those who aid Russia’s military activities. He stressed that the United States will continue to impose costs on entities and individuals who help Russia in acquiring advanced weaponry, whether through direct collaboration or by supplying critical inputs.
The U.S. aims to limit Russia’s access to advanced military technology and to slow down the production of weapons systems that are being used to prolong the war in Ukraine. This latest round of sanctions underscores the United States’ determination to curb any foreign support for Russia’s war efforts, including from Chinese entities.
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