Ukraine’s Air Force urges West to tighten sanctions control as Russia modernizes UAVs, expands drone production

Russia is modernizing Shahed and Lancet UAVs and continues to manufacture drones, so the West needs to strengthen sanctions control so that the Russian Federation cannot receive Western technologies.

Yuriy Ihnat, the Air Force of Ukraine's armed forces spokesman, stated this at the briefing.

"We have seen photos appearing more and more often; some with jet engines and models of generally unknown origin, molded somewhere in a garage. They are modernizing "Shaheds" and "Lancets". Russia boasts of artificial intelligence; they created the picture but didn't understand how it works. They continue to make (drones, ed.) and will build up," he said.

The Air Force spokesman noted that the West is also making "enormous steps," particularly in developing laser weapons.

Ihnat noted that Western countries need to strengthen sanctions control to reduce Russia's ability to obtain Western technologies.

According to him, Ukraine should use international partners' help to create its latest models.

"We are already doing this. You see, drones that strike often cause fires in Russia, so there is a constant burning happening there. It's great that we can do this today," Ihnat said.

The spokesperson also noted that there are becoming more drones in Ukraine, and the state has increased the effectiveness of these systems.

"They practice navigation, which is followed by missiles and drones. EW helps on the front line; there are trench EWs that work with FPV drones. We have EW of a domestic manufacturer, state enterprises, civilians, help from partners," he said.