The U.S. Treasury has taken a significant step by imposing sanctions on two Chinese companies involved in the production of drone engines and parts that have directly contributed to Russia's development of long-range attack drones used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These sanctions are part of the Biden administration's efforts to target the collaboration between China and Russia in the military sphere.
One of the key concerns raised by the U.S. administration is the use of the Garpiya series long-range attack drone, which was designed and manufactured in China in partnership with Russian defense firms. This drone has been utilized to target critical infrastructure in Ukraine, leading to significant casualties.
Despite Beijing's denial of providing weapons to either Ukraine or Russia, the U.S. has identified Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Company and Redlepus Vector Industry as entities involved in supporting Russia's military capabilities. These Chinese firms have been working with a Russian entity, TSK Vektor, which is already under sanctions, to facilitate the transfer of drones to Russia.
The U.S. officials have criticized China for its collaboration with TSK Vektor, highlighting that the Chinese companies should have been aware of the problematic nature of the Russian entity. It has been revealed that the collaboration between the Chinese and Russian firms in developing long-range attack drones began earlier this year.
In addition to the sanctions on the Chinese companies, the U.S. has also targeted Artem Mikhailovich Yamshchikov, a Russian national linked to TSK Vektor, and the Russian entity TD Vector for their involvement in facilitating the shipment of drones. These actions underscore the U.S. government's commitment to disrupting the supply chain that supports Russia's military operations in Ukraine.
