Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered the imposition of sanctions on five Chinese companies accused of supplying parts used in Russian drones that targeted Kyiv earlier this month.
The decree, signed on July 8, names the sanctioned firms as Central Asia Silk Road International Trade, Suzhou Ecod Precision Manufacturing, Shenzhen Royo Technology, Shenzhen Jinduobang Technology, and Ningbo BLIN Machinery.
According to Ukrainian officials, components made by these companies were found in Shahed drones that Russia used during the major overnight aerial attack on the capital on July 4.
“Parts from these Chinese suppliers were recovered from drones shot down over Kyiv,” said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Zelensky’s advisor on sanctions policy.
“These companies have also supplied goods to Russian defense-linked firms under sanctions in both 2024 and 2025.”
Vlasiuk added that Ukraine is working with international partners to push for wider sanctions on Chinese manufacturers involved in arming Russia.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) earlier confirmed that Chinese-made drone parts, including launch system mounts, had been removed from drone wreckage following the July 4 attack.
In a separate development, more evidence of the growing Chinese involvement in the Russian war effort came to light. Documents reviewed by Bloomberg showed that a Russian company, Aero-HIT, used Chinese components, technical expertise, and factories to scale up production – all despite Beijing officially claiming its neutrality.
The company’s Veles FPV drone is already in frontline use, especially in the occupied Kherson region. Ukrainian officials say the drones have been used not only against military targets but also to track and attack civilians.
Aero-HIT has reportedly received Russian state funding and now operates a plant near the Chinese border in Khabarovsk, aiming to produce up to 10,000 drones per month.
As Ukraine faces continued drone attacks, Kyiv says holding suppliers accountable – even those based abroad – is critical to cutting off Russia’s ability to wage long-range war.