UK sanctions Russian drone, migrant traffickers over Ukraine war

The United Kingdom has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting Russia’s drone production networks and groups accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

In a statement published, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the new measures target 35 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military supply chains, human trafficking operations, and drone manufacturing sector on Monday (May 4).

According to the UK government, sanctioned networks have been recruiting migrants from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Nigeria, Morocco, Syria and Yemen with promises of better opportunities before sending them to the frontlines in Ukraine or employing them in Russian weapons factories.

The sanctions also target suppliers from third countries, including Thailand and China, accused of providing drone components and other military-related goods to Russia.

UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty described the exploitation of migrants as “barbaric,” accusing Russia of using vulnerable people as “cannon fodder” in its war effort.

“These sanctions expose and disrupt the operations of those trafficking migrants as cannon fodder and feeding Putin’s drone factories with illicit components to target innocent civilians and vital infrastructure,” Doughty said.

Among those sanctioned is Pavel Nikitin, whose company reportedly develops Russia’s VT-40 attack drone, widely used in strikes on Ukraine.

The UK also imposed sanctions on Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, who is accused of helping recruit and transport foreign nationals through Russia to fight in Ukraine under harsh conditions and with minimal training.

British officials said Russia launched more than 200 drones per day against Ukraine in March 2026, marking the highest monthly total since the war began. The UK warned that the figure could rise further in April.

London said the latest measures are aimed at disrupting Russia’s drone supply chains, increasing economic pressure on the Kremlin, and supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

The sanctions were imposed under the UK’s Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons sanctions regime, which targets human trafficking, people smuggling and related financial networks worldwide.