Zelenskyy imposes sanctions on Russian and Chinese companies developing AI drones
Ukraine has introduced personal and special economic restrictions against companies from Russia and China.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy / © Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 599/2025, enacting the decision of the National Security and Defense Council dated August 16 to apply personal special economic and other restrictive measures.
This was announced by the President’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.
The new sanctions package targets companies and organizations involved in the development of Russian unmanned technologies utilizing artificial intelligence. According to Vlasiuk, the sanctions are of strategic importance as they disrupt key supply chains in the production of attack drones capable of inflicting significant losses on the battlefield.
Russian companies under restrictions
The following companies are included in the sanctions list:
Progmatic: Manufacturer of the small-sized FPV kamikaze drone “Microb 10” with an electronic autopilot and automatic target acquisition system.
Smart Birds: Produces the “Soroka” UAV with a payload capacity of up to 3.5 kg, equipped with an optical target retention system and capable of bypassing radio shadow zones and electronic warfare obstacles.
Chinese suppliers of drone components
The sanctions also target Chinese companies supplying
Dongguan Standard Trading Co.
Zhejiang Lianxing Machinery Co.
Guangzhou Benquan Import & Export
Shenzhen Sky Bow Navigation Technology
Harbin Bin-Au Technology Development
Topscom Precision Industry
These companies supply engines, cameras, microchips, transistors, resistors, resonators, navigation receivers, and routers for Russian drones.
Sanctions against AI and unmanned systems centers
The restrictions also apply to:
Neurolab AI Technology Center: Develops and trains AI models for drones, enabling them to navigate and track targets autonomously.
Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CUST): Established to advance innovations in unmanned systems
Vlasiuk emphasized that the restrictions aim to reduce Russia’s ability to use autonomous attack drones on the battlefield. The sanctions are designed to hinder the development of technologies that enable drones to cause significant damage and underscore the importance of international coordination in controlling high-tech weaponry.