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Britain is imposing new sanctions on Russia — over drones and the recruitment of migrants for the war

Britain is imposing new sanctions on Russia — over drones and the recruitment of migrants for the war

05 May 2026, 16:15

Britain is imposing new sanctions on Russia — over drones and the recruitment of migrants for the war — Sanctions against Russia

The UK has introduced a new package of sanctions against Russia. The restrictions target 35 individuals and companies that supplied components for drones and helped recruit foreign fighters for the war.

This was announced by the country’s government.

The British government claims that Russia is actively exploiting vulnerable migrants, promising them better living conditions or work, and then recruiting them into the war against Ukraine as ‘cannon fodder’ or for the production of military equipment.

In particular, sanctions have been imposed on Polina Azarnykh — a former Russian teacher who sent nearly 500 invitations to foreign men, allowing them to enter the Russian Federation and enlist in the military. A BBC investigation revealed that the woman misled the men, claiming they would avoid combat.

Restrictions have also been imposed on seven employees of the ‘Alabuga Start’ programme, through which foreigners are recruited.

A separate set of sanctions is aimed at disrupting supply chains for Russian drones. The sanctions list includes companies and intermediaries from various countries, such as China and Thailand, which helped Russia circumvent restrictions and obtain the necessary technology and components.

Among others, Pavel Nikitin has been sanctioned; his company develops the Russian VT-40 drone — a cheap, mass-produced drone that Russia has used extensively during its attacks on Ukraine.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that Russia obtains around 90% of its sanctioned technologies from China.

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