Zelensky: Sanctions could stop Russian drones at the production stage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the escalation of Russia's aerial terror depends on foreign companies whose components keep reaching the aggressor state. He argued that effective sanctions could in theory halt every drone before it is even built.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the escalation of Russia's aerial terror campaign largely depends on foreign companies whose components continue to reach the aggressor state.
According to the president, cutting off these supply chains would be one of the most effective ways to curb Russia's ability to carry out drone attacks — in principle, every drone could be stopped already at the manufacturing stage if the flow of foreign-made parts into Russia were blocked.
The role of sanctions
Zelensky's remarks highlight the need for stronger international oversight of technology and component exports that can be used in military production. The president is calling on foreign partners to ensure sanctions against Russia are effectively enforced and monitored, preventing them from being circumvented.
Ukraine has long maintained that Russian drone and missile production relies on Western-origin electronic components, which reach the country by bypassing existing restrictions through third countries or intermediary companies.


