EU Adds Companies Involved in Drone Warfare to Russia Sanctions List

10:58 AM EDT, 07/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The European Union imposed sanctions against five Russian companies that are part of the ABS Electro group and its board chairman after Russia escalated attacks against civilians in Ukraine. In a Friday release, the European Council said the group is involved in the production of drones used by the Russian military in warfare, developing and manufacturing electronic and radio-electronic components for certain types of drones. Meanwhile, ABS Electro group Chairman Irina Kharisova also serves as the director of several companies under the group. Kharisova and the five entities are subject to an asset freeze, with the individual also banned from traveling in the EU.