This article is an investigative piece by the Kyiv Independent, a Ukrainian news outlet. It explores how Russian companies, particularly Zala Aero Group and its founder Aleksandr Vladislavovich Zakharov, have managed to evade sanctions and continue producing drones despite international sanctions.
The investigation reveals that:
1. The Zakharov family, including sons Nikita and Lavrentii, are the key figures behind Zala Aero Group.
2. Despite Lavrentii Zakharov’s internship at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva, none of the family members were under personal international sanctions until 2023.
3. The family owns assets abroad, including an apartment in central London worth £1.5 million.
4. After being sanctioned by the UK and US, Lavrentii Zakharov returned to Russia and founded his own company in Moscow.
The article argues that while individual members of the Zakharov family have been sanctioned, the entire system enabling Russian manufacturers to evade sanctions remains intact. It suggests that Western suppliers and Chinese companies can take steps to cut off the channels feeding the Russian military machine by not selling critical components or drones directly to Russia.
Key points:
* Zala Aero Group is a key player in Russia’s drone industry.
* The Zakharov family, including sons Nikita and Lavrentii, are behind the company.
* Despite sanctions, the family continues to operate and evade international restrictions.
* Western suppliers can cut off Russian manufacturers by not selling critical components.
* Chinese companies can adhere to their government’s policy of not selling drones and components to Russia.
The article concludes that while individual members of the Zakharov family have been sanctioned, the entire system remains intact. It calls for more effective sanctions and trade restrictions to undermine Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.