Ukraine's Zelenskyy says Western parts found in Russian drones, missiles

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has alleged that drones and missiles fired by Russia against his country are filled with parts sourced from Western companies. In a social media post on Monday, Zelenskyy said the hundreds of weapons used in Russian attacks over the previous two nights contained tens of thousands of components produced by firms in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan and China."

"Nearly 100,688 of foreign-made parts were in the launched attack drones, about 1,500 were in Iskanders, 192 in Kinzhal missiles, and 405 in Kalibrs, he wrote. He made the accusation as Ukraine and some European partners are pressing for harsher sanctions and stronger oversight to close loopholes on current trade limits imposed in the wake of Russia's invasion of its neighbouring country in February 2022."

"Zelenskyy's inclusion of US and UK companies was noteworthy due to the leading role the two countries have had in mobilising military and financial support for Ukraine as it battles Russia's invading forces. US companies manufacture converters for Kh-101 missiles and Shahed-type drones, sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles and Kinzhal missiles, and microelectronics for missiles, the Ukrainian president said. He added that British companies produce microcomputers for drone flight control."

More than 100,000 foreign-made components have been identified in Russian missiles and drones used against Ukraine. Components originated from firms in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan and China. Nearly 100,688 parts were found in launched attack drones, about 1,500 in Iskander missiles, 192 in Kinzhal missiles, and 405 in Kalibr missiles. US firms reportedly supplied converters, sensors and microelectronics, while British firms provided microcomputers for drone flight control. Ukraine is preparing new sanctions, sharing detailed company and product data with partners, and urging closing trade-loopholes and stronger oversight ahead of G7 sanctions coordination.

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