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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Sophie Huskisson

UK sanctions Iranians for making drones used in 'evil' attacks on Ukraine

The UK has sanctioned "high level" Russian and Iranian figures in response to attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly has claimed "sordid deals" between Russia and Iran are threatening global security.

The US released information today showing Iran has become one of Russia’s top military backers, providing hundreds of drones used to kill Ukrainian civilians.

Vladimir Putin's forces used the Iranian drones to carry out strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities and key energy infrastructure.

“Iranian-manufactured drones have played a central role in these evil attacks on civilians,” the Government said.

The announcement comes as Russia steps up its campaign of terror against Ukraine, striking at crucial energy infrastructure and plunging its people into the dark and freezing cold of winter.

The UK has sanctioned the company said to have made engines for drones used by Russia in Ukraine (File photo) (AFP via Getty Images)

More than 6,000 Ukrainian civilians are estimated to have died since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, primarily as a result of Russian missile and artillery strikes.

The UK has imposed sanctions on MADO, the company said to have made engines for the drones used by Russia in Ukraine, and its director Yousef Aboutalebi.

Professor Afshin Khajeh Fard, the head of Iran Aviation Industries Organisation, which manages Iran's military aircraft industry, has also been sanctioned.

The UK has also sanctioned Iranian figure Abdollah Mehrabi, of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Twelve senior commanders of Russian military forces, including units implicated in attacks on Ukrainian cities, have also been sanctioned.

Major General Robert Baranov, identified by a Bellingcat investigation as the commander of a unit responsible for programming and targeting Russian cruise missiles, is among those targeted.

All individuals are subject to an asset freeze and travel ban, while companies are subject to an asset freeze.

Mr Cleverly said: "Iran and Russia's sordid deals threaten global security. We are holding their desperate alliance to account.

"The UK has just sanctioned high-level Russian and Iranian figures in response to the abhorrent strikes against civilian targets."

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