The European Union adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, which included 54 individuals and 30 legal entities. Another list of 32 organizations from third countries other than Russia that indirectly contribute to Russia’s military and technological advancement by circumventing export restrictions, in particular on unmanned aerial vehicles or missiles, was also compiled. This is stated on the EU Council website. The new sanctions aim to weaken the Russian military-industrial complex.

The sanctions were imposed on individuals and legal entities because of the responsibility of companies and individuals for actions to undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Restrictions include asset freezes and a ban on entry to the EU.

Among the individuals and legal entities involved in Trap Aggressor’s investigations and analytical briefs:

• VNIIR-Progress and its director. The Russian company was previously included in the EU’s list of export restrictions, and now it has been subjected to stricter sanctions. They include asset freezes and financial restrictions. The sanctions also include personal measures against the company’s director. 
• UralDronZavod. The company produces FPV drones “Ghoul”, which are actively used by the Russian Armed Forces in the war for strikes deep into the front.
•  SPDBK. This company is a project of the OKO Design Bureau, which produces FPV UAVs of the “Privet” model. 
• Rustact is one of the participants in the Judgment Day project, which is a serial manufacturer of Russian PVC drones, also known as VT-40.
• Nikolai Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters. The company is part of the Rostec state corporation.
• Izhevsk Unmanned Systems. A major defense contractor. The company is engaged in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles for civil and military purposes. It is a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov concern.

“The lists relate primarily to Russian military companies that produce aircraft parts, drones, electronics, engines, high-tech components for weapons and other military equipment. The lists also target a number of senior managers of companies operating in the Russian energy sector (including shipping companies), which provide significant revenue to the Russian government,” the European Commission said in a statement.

The EU also imposed sanctions on the Russian military unit that attacked the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv this summer, as well as on individuals “responsible for deporting children and propaganda.”

Sanctions on Chinese companies

The EU has also imposed sanctions on one Chinese individual and 6 organizations. They also prohibit travel to Europe, freeze assets, and prohibit the provision of funds to these individuals. According to the document, these Chinese individuals and legal entities facilitate the avoidance of sanctions by Russia or supply components for Russian UAVs and microelectronics to the Russian military industry. Sanctions were also imposed on two high-ranking North Korean officials.

The EU has also added new vessels to the sanctions list, which prohibit access to the port and the provision of a wide range of maritime-related services.

Trap Aggressor systematically investigates the activities of Russian companies working for the enemy military-industrial complex. In particular, the project’s analysts described how a developer for gamers works for the Russian defense industry.