Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using drones and missiles packed with parts from Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, as he urges allies to step up sanctions.
The revelation comes amid ongoing attacks and heightened tensions in Europe.
Zelenskyy stated in a social media post that hundreds of missiles and drones fired by Russia in the last two nights contained over 100,000 components sourced from countries such as the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and China.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, US companies supply converters for Kh-101 missiles and Shahed-type drones, sensors for UAVs, and microelectronics for missiles, while British firms provide microcomputers for drone flight control.
“Ukraine is preparing new sanctions against those who help Russia and its war,” Zelenskyy said, noting that detailed data on each company and product has been shared with Ukraine’s partners.
Calls for stronger sanctions
The Ukrainian president pressed for more robust measures ahead of a G7 sanctions coordinators meeting, emphasizing that continued Western involvement in supplying components indirectly fuels Russia’s military operations.
Oleh Alexandrov, a Ukrainian intelligence official, also highlighted cooperation between Russia and China in satellite reconnaissance to identify strategic targets in Ukraine, though the Kremlin denied relying on Chinese satellites.
Rising tensions in Europe
The revelation coincides with increased drone activity across European countries, with UAVs spotted over military sites and disrupting air traffic. Some governments have attributed the incursions to Russia, warning that Moscow may be testing NATO defenses.
President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov have dismissed the accusations, calling them baseless. On Monday, Oslo Airport temporarily suspended several landings following reports of a drone, affecting flight schedules.
