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The European Union has imposed new sanctions on one individual and five Russian companies linked to the country’s military-industrial complex in response to deadly Russian attacks on Kyiv and systematic strikes against civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, UATV English reports.
The Council of the EU said the decision was taken amid Russia’s continued escalation of its war against Ukraine, specifically citing the deadly attacks on Kyiv on the nights of July 1 and July 5.
All five sanctioned companies are part of Russia’s ABS Electro Group and are involved in developing and manufacturing electronic and radio-electronic components used in drone warfare.
According to the Council, the companies contribute to the development of systems designed to enhance the capabilities of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles, including Shahed- and Geran-type drones, by making them more resistant to electronic warfare.
Several of the sanctioned companies also manufacture automated control systems for Russia’s energy sector, which the EU noted remains a major source of revenue for the Russian government.
The sanctions also target Irina Kharisova, chair of the board of ABS Electro Group and director of several companies within the group.
Under the measures, the assets of the sanctioned individual and companies in the EU will be frozen. EU individuals and companies are also prohibited from making funds or other economic resources available to them, either directly or indirectly. Kharisova is additionally subject to a travel ban preventing her from entering or transiting through EU territory.
The Council said the measures were adopted under the EU sanctions regime targeting actions that undermine or threaten Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.
The move follows the European Council’s conclusions in June, when EU leaders strongly condemned Russia’s escalation of large-scale missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian civilians and reaffirmed the bloc’s readiness to increase pressure on Moscow through further sanctions.
