The European Union has moved to decisive action in response to the escalation of aggression against Ukraine. The EU Council officially agreed to introduce restrictive measures targeting the Russian military-industrial complex. This decision serves as a direct response to the mass attacks on Kyiv that claimed the lives of civilians.
Tragic Events of July Triggered the Action
The initiative for new sanctions was launched against the backdrop of horrific losses among the civilian population. In particular, on July 2 alone, 31 people were killed in the Ukrainian capital as a result of shelling. In an official statement, the EU Council emphasized that the measures are being introduced due to "deadly strikes" on the nights of July 1 and July 5, 2026, as well as in connection with a brutal military campaign targeting civilian infrastructure.
Drone Manufacturers Hit by Sanctions
As part of the agreed package of restrictions, six entities were sanctioned: one individual and five organizations. All of them are part of the ABS Electro group of companies. A key figure on this list is Irina Kharisova — the chairman of the board of the group and director of several companies within it.
The activities of these enterprises are critical to the Russian war machine. The companies are engaged in the development and production of electronic and radio-electronic components necessary for unmanned systems. In particular, their products are used to upgrade "Shahed" and "Geran" type drones, increasing their efficiency and resistance to electronic warfare systems.
In addition to components for weaponry, the ABS Electro group enterprises produce automated control systems for the energy sector, which generates significant profits for the Russian state.
Political Context and Disagreements
The path to adopting these measures was not simple. At the meeting of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives on July 15, a decision on new sanctions was not reached. It is noted that Greece did not support the broader 21st package of sanctions against Russia, fearing that a ban on the export of Russian gas to third countries could weaken the position of European companies.
However, despite disagreements regarding energy restrictions, the issue of sanctions against specific military equipment manufacturers was resolved. The relevant legal acts have already been published in the Official Journal of the EU, making the restrictive measures legally binding.
