The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday the imposition of sanctions against 35 individuals and organizations alleged to be involved in recruiting migrants for Russia’s war against Ukraine and in the production of drones.
Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty stated that these measures aim to expose and disrupt the activities of those transporting migrants as cannon fodder and supplying illegal components to Putin’s drone factories, which are used to target civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. He specifically referenced the Russian program “Alabuga Start,” which is responsible for drone production at a facility already under UK sanctions.
Doughty characterized the exploitation of vulnerable individuals to support Russia’s unlawful military efforts in Ukraine as barbaric.
The UK government noted that the sanctions affect individuals and organizations based in third countries, including Thailand and China, which are responsible for supplying drone components and other critical military goods to Russia.
Among those sanctioned is Pavel Nikitin, whose company develops the VT-40 drone, a low-cost strike drone that has been widely used by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine.
This latest round of sanctions follows a previous package announced on February 24, which targeted 49 organizations and individuals involved in supporting the Russian military apparatus.
To date, the UK has imposed sanctions on over 3,000 individuals, companies, and vessels associated with the so-called “shadow fleet.”
The UK has targeted 35 individuals and organizations in a new sanctions package aimed at disrupting recruitment and drone production for Russia's military operations in Ukraine. This action underscores ongoing efforts to hold accountable those facilitating Russia's war efforts.