EU Council sanctions six tied to Russian weapons technology

BRUSSELS, July 17, 2026 — The European Union sanctioned five Russian companies in the ABS Electro Group and its board chair, Irina Kharisova, over their involvement in producing electronic components used in drone warfare.

The Council of the EU said the companies develop and manufacture electronic and radio-electronic equipment that increases the resistance of Russian unmanned aircraft, including Shahed and Geran drones, to electronic interference.

The listings include ABS ZEIM Automation and Asset Automation, which operates under names including ABS Electro Group. The legal act said companies in the group are connected to the production of the Kometa antenna, including the Kometa-M variant used in drones and guided-bomb kits deployed in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Kharisova is chair of the ABS Electro Group’s board and a director of several companies within the group. The EU said she supports activities threatening Ukraine’s territorial integrity and is involved in an economic sector that provides substantial revenue to the Russian government.

Several sanctioned companies also produce automated control systems for Russia’s energy industry, including equipment supplied to oil and gas refining, storage and transportation facilities.

The measures were adopted after Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv on July 1 and July 5, which the Council cited as part of an escalation targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The designated companies and Kharisova are subject to EU asset freezes, and European individuals and businesses are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them. Kharisova is also subject to an EU travel ban.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1779 took effect upon its publication in the EU Official Journal on July 17.