EU imposes sanctions on Russian executive, five companies over drones

BRUSSELS: The European Union announced sanctions ​on Friday ​against a Russian executive and five ​Russian companies, saying they were involved in the manufacture of drones.

The Council of the European Union said ‌the ⁠decision had been ⁠made in the wake of escalating ​Russian attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine this ​month.

It said it was imposing sanctions on Irina Kharisova, chair of the board of ABS Electro.


⁠The five ‌Russian entities on the ​list ​were part of the ABS Electro ⁠group of companies, which develops and manufactures electronic ​and radio-electronic components needed for ​drone warfare, the Council added.

"These actors form part of the Russian military-industrial complex, specifically by being involved in drone manufacturing," the Council of the European Union ‌said in a statement.

The sanctions mean Kharisova's assets are frozen, ​and ​that Kharisova will ⁠be banned from travelling to the EU.

The EU is also trying to agree a ​21st package of sanctions against Russia, which would target Russia's banks and crypto networks as well as drone production, oil traders and refiners.