According to a report consulted by “Le Monde”, to be published shortly, the majority of components found on Russian armaments in Ukraine were manufactured by 155 foreign companies. Two-thirds of these were American.
The Russian missiles that are killing Ukrainians or destroying their infrastructure are reaching their targets thanks to electronic chips from France-Italy’s STMicroelectronics or the USA’s Intel. The Yermak-McFaul group, which brings together Ukrainian and American experts charged with assessing sanctions against Russia, is due to publish a report in the next few days, consulted by Le Monde, showing how Moscow manages to circumvent the restrictions.
The report’s authors have analyzed artillery pieces, armored vehicles, drones and missiles recovered in Ukraine to trace the origin of their components. “Missiles that don’t explode or fall into the water are a treasure trove of information,” explains Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian presidential adviser in charge of sanctions.
Of the 58 items of military equipment analyzed, 1,057 components were identified, the majority of which were microchips and microprocessors manufactured by 155 foreign companies. Two-thirds of these are American, but France’s Thales, Souriau and STMicroelectronics manufacture some of the components found, although the report does not specify exactly which ones.