EU targets Russian drone makers with sanctions after Kyiv strikes

The European Union is preparing to impose new sanctions on Russian entities involved in the manufacturing of drone components, following a significant overnight aerial assault on Kyiv that resulted in numerous casualties. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Thursday that she would propose sanctioning more entities supporting Russia's military-industrial complex in response to the attacks.

Kallas stated on X that the EU must increase pressure on Moscow, emphasizing that "The more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed." The proposed measures target five entities and one individual implicated in the development and production of components that enhance Russian drones, including Shahed and Geran types. This initiative comes after Ukraine's air force warned of ballistic missiles heading toward the capital, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to curtail a visit to Dublin.

To expedite the application of sanctions, the EU is employing a new methodology that allows for listings to be added on a rolling basis, circumventing the need for approval within broader sanctions packages. This approach aims to bypass automatic renewal clauses associated with the 21st sanctions package, which is currently under discussion. The proposed listings were shared with EU ambassadors on Thursday, with subsequent discussions anticipated on July 8, ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council on July 13. Kallas stressed that "Words of condemnation alone will not stop attacks on Kyiv. Only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow can do that."