U.S. Sanctions Chinese Firms for Supplying Weapons Systems to Russia Amid Ukraine War

The United States has imposed sanctions on two China-based companies for allegedly supplying complete weapons systems to Russia, marking the first time Chinese firms have been targeted for directly aiding Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that the companies collaborated with Russian defense entities to develop and produce the “Garpiya series” drones, which have been used in the conflict.

According to the statement, these long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were designed, developed, and manufactured in China before being sent to Russia, where they were deployed on the battlefield. The U.S. alleges that the drones have been used in attacks that destroyed critical infrastructure and caused numerous casualties in Ukraine.

The latest sanctions represent a shift in U.S. policy. While previous measures targeted Chinese entities that supplied key components to Russia’s military-industrial complex, these new sanctions are the first to penalize companies for directly developing and producing full weapons systems in cooperation with Russian defense firms.

“The Garpiya drones have played a role in Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, causing significant destruction and loss of life,” said the U.S. Treasury. “By imposing these sanctions, the United States seeks to disrupt the supply chains supporting Moscow’s military operations and send a clear message to other potential collaborators.”

The decision comes amid growing concerns about the global arms trade and the role of third-party countries in bolstering Russia’s military capabilities. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to holding accountable any entities that contribute to the ongoing conflict by supplying weapons to the Russian military.