EU Adopts Interim Sanctions Package Targeting Shadow Fleet and Russian Defense Sector

The European Union has adopted an interim package of sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, manufacturers of FPV and reconnaissance drones, and companies involved in producing components for the S8000 Banderol and Iskander-M missile systems.

The press service of the Council of the European Union announced this.

The new sanctions package targets a total of 34 individuals and 47 entities. The EU also extended the restrictive measures imposed in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol until June 23, 2027.

As explained by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, in a comment to Militarnyi, the new sanctions package reflects a systematic approach to weakening Russia’s war machine. The restrictions target not only direct weapons manufacturers but also companies that support the functioning of the military industry, including the production of drones, missile systems, military electronics, and critical components.

“Comprehensive pressure on all elements of Russia’s war economy is the most effective way to reduce its ability to wage war. This is an interim sanctions package. We expect the EU to adopt a much more comprehensive 21st package within the coming weeks,” he emphasized.

The sanctions list includes manufacturers of FPV drones and unmanned systems, including ASFPV, Rustakt, IONOS, and the Izhevsk Aviation Plant, which produces the SKAT-350M reconnaissance drone for the Russian military.

ASFPV manufactures up to 10,000 Veterok series FPV drones per month, which are used by Russian forces on the battlefield. Meanwhile, IONOS produces Alyosha FPV drones for reconnaissance, strike, and loitering munition (kamikaze) missions.

The sanctions also target companies involved in producing components for Russia’s missile, space, and aviation industries. In particular, Elekond JSC produces capacitors used in the S8000 Banderol cruise missile-drone, while Metallist Plant is involved in producing the navigation system for the Iskander-M missile.

The sanctions list also includes Shenzhen Minghuaxin and Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company from China, as well as Belarus-based Izovac and its affiliated company, Engineering Group. These companies allegedly continued supplying Russian drone manufacturers and defense enterprises with components, equipment, and technology despite existing sanctions.

In total, the sanctions target 7 individuals and 21 legal entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex.

The EU also targeted Russia’s shadow fleet, adding 24 companies from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, and Liberia to its sanctions list, as well as two individuals linked to the network.

In response to Russia’s hybrid activities against the EU, its member states, and third countries, the new sanctions package also imposes restrictions on 10 individuals and one organization. Additionally, the EU expanded its sanctions list to include one organization and 15 individuals connected to the persecution, poisoning, and death of Alexei Navalny.