The U.S. Treasury has enacted new sanctions against two Chinese manufacturers that produce drone engines and components, as the Biden administration asserted their involvement in aiding Russia’s development of long-range attack drones used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Previous accusations from the U.S. have claimed that China has been supplying crucial support to bolster Russia’s military capabilities amid the war. The recent sanctions were aimed at disrupting the direct collaboration between China and Russia, as indicated by senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of confidentiality prior to the announcement.

According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, the Garpiya series long-range attack drone, designed and constructed in China in partnership with Russian defense entities, has been deployed in Ukraine, leading to the destruction of essential infrastructure and resulting in numerous casualties.

Despite these allegations, China has consistently maintained that it does not supply weapons to either Ukraine or Russia. Furthermore, the nation has characterized its trade relations with Russia as standard and legitimate.

The U.S. sanctions specifically target Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Company, known for its drone engine production, and Redlepus Vector Industry, which has collaborated with a Russian firm already under sanctions to expedite the delivery of drones to Russia.

Administration representatives have suggested that China should have been aware of the concerning nature of the Russian entity, TSK Vektor. They also noted that these Chinese companies have been engaging in the joint development of long-range attack drones with Russian associates since earlier this year.

Additionally, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Artem Mikhailovich Yamshchikov, identified as a Russian individual with significant ownership stakes in TSK Vektor, along with the Russian company TD Vector, which has been implicated in assisting with the drone shipments.