Zelensky Demands Tougher Sanctions on UK Firms Over Drone Parts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for stricter sanctions against British companies supplying parts for Russian drones involved in attacks on Ukraine. His remarks follow a deadly strike on the city of Lviv on October 5, 2023, which reportedly resulted in four fatalities, including a 15-year-old, and left six others injured. Zelensky’s criticism highlights the ongoing reliance of Russia on foreign-made components to carry out its military operations against Ukraine.

In a post on X, Zelensky stated that microcomputers for flight control, produced in the UK, were identified in drones used during the recent attack, alongside other parts sourced from various countries, including the United States. The strike on Lviv marked the most significant aerial assault on the western city and its vicinity since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Regional officials confirmed that the coordinated drone and missile strikes were unprecedented in scale for the area.

The situation escalated further with a nighttime assault on Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in the death of a civilian woman and injuries to nine others, including a 16-year-old girl. In the eastern city of Sloviansk, six individuals, including a child, were injured during the attacks.

In his address, Zelensky emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating the supply of components that aid Russian weapon production. He noted that during the recent strike, Russian forces utilized 549 weapon systems containing over 102,000 foreign-made components sourced from countries such as China, Taiwan, Germany, and others.

Zelensky criticized allies for not taking firmer action, stating, “Partners already possess the detailed data on each company and each product – they know what to target and how to respond.” He reiterated the need for a robust response, especially as the G7 sanctions coordinators are set to meet this week. He urged that every scheme circumventing sanctions must be closed to prevent further loss of life.

The official spokesperson for the UK government asserted that the country’s arms export regime is among the “most robust in the world” and expressed a commitment to supporting Ukraine in resisting President Vladimir Putin‘s ongoing invasion. The UK Ministry of Defence has been approached for further comments regarding the allegations.

Zelensky’s urgent appeal underscores the escalating conflict and the critical need for international unity in addressing the flow of military components to Russia. With continued attacks on Ukrainian cities, the international community faces increasing pressure to act decisively against those facilitating Russia’s war efforts.