Today, we are imposing sanctions upon three Russian entities linked to Moscow’s growing military relationship with Tehran – the relationship that includes the transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from Iran. The Kremlin is deploying these UAVs against Ukraine, including in large-scale attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Russia’s acquisition and Iran’s provision of these certain UAVs are in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and further fuels the turmoil in Ukraine. The usa will continue to use every tool at our disposal in order to disrupt these transfers and impose consequences on all those engaged in this activity.
The Department of State is designating the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), 924th State Center for Unmanned Aviation, and the Command from the Military Transport Aviation (VTA) pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order 14024 for operating or getting operated in the defense plus related materiel sector from the Russian Federation’s economy. VKS was the intended named beneficiary of the Russia-Iran agreement on transferring UAVs; the 924th State Center for Unmanned Aviation sent personnel to Iran for training upon operating Iranian UAVs; and VTA was involved in the move of UAVs from Iran to Russia.
