Key Facts
• July 23, 2025: Reuters revealed Russian drones use smuggled Chinese engines.
• Russian state-owned IEMZ Kupol manufactures the long-range attack drone “Garpiya-A1.”
• Smuggled engines labeled as “industrial refrigeration units” to bypass sanctions.
• U.S. and EU sanctions on Russia and related firms began in October 2022.
• IEMZ Kupol increased Garpiya production from 2,000 units in 2024 to 6,000+ in 2025.
• Over 1,500 drones delivered to Russia’s Ministry of Defense by April 2025.
• Ukraine reports Russia uses 500 Garpiya drones monthly for civilian and military attacks.
• Chinese company Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine supplied L550E engines pre-sanctions.
• Post-sanctions, Beijing Xichao International began supplying L550E engines to Kupol.
• China’s Foreign Ministry denies knowledge of exports and opposes unilateral sanctions.
• EU and U.S. imposed sanctions on Xiamen Limbach and related firms in late 2023.
Summary
Reuters uncovered that Russian drones used in Ukraine’s conflict rely on smuggled Chinese engines, violating U.S. and EU sanctions. The state-owned IEMZ Kupol increased production of the Garpiya-A1 drone, using engines mislabeled as “industrial refrigeration units” to evade detection. Despite sanctions imposed on Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine, another Chinese firm, Beijing Xichao International, continued supplying engines. Ukraine reports these drones are deployed for attacks on civilian and military targets, with 500 used monthly. China’s Foreign Ministry denies involvement, emphasizing compliance with international laws. The EU and U.S. maintain sanctions on Russian military-related entities.
