The US Friday sanctioned executives and board members of Qods Aviation industries (QAI) for supplying Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The sanctions are pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382. This Bush Administration EO gives the Department of the Treasury the authority to block property belonging to proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.

The sanctions assert that QAI “transferred UAVs for use in Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine.” Accordingly, the sanctions freeze all property and interests in property of the individuals and entities in the US or in the possession or control of US persons. In addition, any entities owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Persons engaged in certain transactions with the individuals or entities sanctioned may also be exposed to sanctions. Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or provides significant financial services for any of the individuals or entities designated could be subject to US sanctions.

In response to the sanctions, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen stated:

The Kremlin’s reliance on suppliers of last resort like Iran shows their desperation in the face of brave Ukrainian resistance and the success of our global coalition in disrupting Russian military supply chains and denying them the inputs they need to replace weapons lost on the battlefield. The United States will act swiftly against individuals and entities supporting Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile programs and will stand resolutely in support of the people of Ukraine.

In December, the UK sanctioned Russian commanders and Iranian businessmen in response to missile and drone strikes on Ukranian civilian infrastructure.