US sanctions Russian, Chinese entities over drones for Russia
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The Garpiya drones are reportedly designed and produced in collaboration with Chinese defense firms, marking the first instance of US sanctions on Chinese companies for directly developing complete weapons systems with Russian firms.
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In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, a Russian drone drops an explosive at an undisclosed location in Donetsk region. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service photo via AP)
The US has imposed sanctions on several Russian and Chinese entities on Thursday, as well as an individual, for their alleged involvement in developing drones used by the Russian military in Ukraine.
The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) target Russian national Artem Yamshchikov and Russia's Limited Liability Company Trading House Vector, along with China's Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen and Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine.
Read more: Russia supplied 140,000 UAVs in 2023, plans tenfold increase by 2030
According to a statement from the US State Department, the sanctioned entities are involved in the development of the Garpiya series, a long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used by Russia.
The Garpiya drones are reportedly designed and produced in collaboration with Chinese defense firms, marking the first instance of US sanctions on Chinese companies for directly developing complete weapons systems with Russian firms.
"The sanctions target key actors in Russia’s defense supply chain and are part of efforts to hold those who support Russia’s war in Ukraine accountable," said the State Department in a statement.
Today, @USTreasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is targeting 3 entities and 1 individual for their involvement in the development and production of Russia’s Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle. https://t.co/HGEKUBtSjy
— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) October 17, 2024
In response, the Chinese Embassy in the United States issued a sharp rebuke, accusing Washington of hypocrisy.
The embassy criticized recent comments by US envoy to NATO, Julianne Smith, who accused Beijing of supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
The Chinese Embassy pointed out that the US continues to provide "unprecedented military aid" to Ukraine while accusing China of engaging in legitimate trade with Russia.
"China has always been reasonable and responsible about its military exports and maintains strict controls over the export of dual-use goods, including civilian drones," the Chinese Embassy said in a statement to Sputnik.
Read more: China 'seriously concerned' over US trade restrictions
It is worth noting that China has always prioritized peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, maintaining impartiality.
In February, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that her country will take the appropriate and necessary measures to protect Chinese firms against potential sanctions imposed by the United States.
"China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," Mao said.
