Ukraine is preparing a new package of sanctions aimed at companies that supply Russia with key components for weapon production. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the plans, saying it is essential to block the supply of technology and parts that enable Russia to launch large-scale strikes on Ukrainian cities. He emphasized that even small components, once inside Russia’s weapons industry, become tools of destruction in the war.
Widespread Supply of Weapon Components
Despite years of global restrictions, Russia still manages to access technology from abroad. Zelensky explained that during the night of October 5, Russia carried out a combined attack on Ukraine using 549 munitions. These weapons contained an astonishing 102,785 foreign-made components.
Breaking down the figures, he noted that attack drones carried the overwhelming majority, with around 100,688 imported parts discovered. Iskander missiles were equipped with approximately 1,500 components from foreign sources. Kinzhal missiles contained 192 such parts, and Caliber missiles had 405.
These numbers, Zelensky stressed, prove that Russia cannot continue its military campaign without a steady flow of imported electronics and mechanical pieces. Each attack on Ukraine reveals just how deeply the Russian defense industry depends on outside suppliers.
Countries and Components Involved
The sanctions are expected to target companies across several countries, including the United States, China, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Zelensky made clear that the parts provided by these countries are critical for the functioning of Russian weapons systems.
He explained that in the United States, companies are producing converters for X-101 cruise missiles as well as for Shahed and Geran drones. American firms also supply matrices used in drones and Kinzhal missiles, in addition to analog-to-digital converters and other microelectronics.
According to Zelensky, Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers supply microelectronics used in Shahed drones, while Switzerland provides microcontrollers. The United Kingdom contributes microcomputers for flight-control systems, making them essential to the guidance of drones and missiles. Japanese companies supply opto-isolators that are built into cruise missiles. German producers have been linked to switching connectors, and Dutch companies provide processors for missile technology. South Korea, Zelensky noted, supplies servomotors and bearings that play an important role in keeping drones and missiles operational.
Ukraine has compiled data on each company and the type of product it provides. The president confirmed that this information will be shared with partner nations. These countries, he said, know how to act once they have detailed evidence of how their industries are indirectly fueling Russia’s war effort.
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Coordinated Sanctions Efforts
Alongside company-specific measures, Ukraine is preparing sanctions against individuals and organizations that assist Russia in avoiding current restrictions. Zelensky pointed out that Moscow actively seeks out alternative supply routes and uses various schemes to bypass existing bans. Shutting down these channels is, in his words, just as important as blocking direct deliveries.
He also highlighted that this week a meeting of sanctions coordinators from the G7 nations will take place. The gathering is expected to produce systemic decisions aimed at making restrictions stronger and closing the loopholes Russia has been exploiting.
“The world has the power to stop this,” Zelensky said, underscoring the importance of international cooperation. He added that every sanction-evasion scheme used by Russia directly results in more attacks and more casualties. According to him, the goal must be to cut off every route by which Russia can obtain critical components for its weapons.
With these steps, Ukraine is calling on its partners to ensure that sanctions are not only declared but effectively enforced. The effort, Zelensky stressed, is about preventing further destruction and saving lives.