The EU is preparing its 15th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting foreign-made components found in Russian weaponry, EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell said in kyiv on November 9.

“We have to strengthen sanctions circumvention measures because Russia cannot produce (weapons) without imported parts, chips and other components,” Borrell said at a news conference alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. “We should use sanctions to isolate Russia’s industrial capabilities from imports from other countries.”

The European bloc has already adopted 14 packages in response to Russia’s decision large scale invasion of Ukraine, with the aim of undermining Moscow’s economic production and ability to sustain the war. The most recent package, which approved On June 20, it agreed to the first sanctions imposed on Russia’s gas industry.

Borrell’s comments come as President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to urge Western allies to apply more sanctions against suppliers of components predominantly used in Russian drones.

Russia has increased its drone attacks against Ukrainian cities in recent months, with Zelensky inform In October, more than 2,000 Russian Shahed-type drones were launched against Ukraine.

According to Zelensky, the more than 2,000 Shahed-type drones launched in October coincide with the “more than 170,000 components that should have been blocked from reaching Russia.” saying in his evening speech on November 2: “Microchips, microcontrollers, processors and many other pieces are essential to enabling this terror.”

Russia continues to avoid sanctions by using sanctions evasion networks and ghost companies. Russia also receives help from its allies to evade sanctions, including Porcelain, Iranand North Korea.

In recent months, China’s special support Because the Russian defense industry has played an important role in shifting the battlefield momentum in Ukraine in Moscow’s favor.

Reuters reported on September 25, citing European intelligence sources, that Russia had secretly established a development and production program in China for the use of attack drones in the war in Ukraine

On November 6, the head of Australia’s intelligence agency warned that Beijing’s “massive provision” of dual-use goods, as well as diplomatic and economic support, is allowing Russia to continue its war against Ukraine.

The announcement about the sanctions package comes while Borrell, during a visit to Kyiv on November 9, look for reassure Ukraine from the EU’s “unwavering” support amid uncertainty over the level of US support under the leadership of President-elect Donald Trump.

“Faster deliveries and fewer red lines”: Borrell assures kyiv of the EU’s unwavering support after Trump’s victory

“We need faster deliveries and fewer self-imposed red lines,” Borrell said, referring to his support for allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with long-range weaponry provided by the West.