A joint investigation conducted by the Kyiv Independent and several other partners has uncovered the alarming reality of how Russian drones, particularly the Shahed (Geran-2) attack drones, incorporate European-made technologies. This investigation revealed that these drones, employed in numerous attacks against Ukraine, include components sourced from various European manufacturers, implicating them in the ongoing conflict. One specific example highlighted was an Austrian sensor designed for precise motion control that was found in a Russian drone used to strike Ukraine after being sold to a company in Hong Kong, illustrating the complex global supply chain that enables such military applications.

The findings also raise serious concerns about the violation of European Union regulations and airspace, given that these drones not only attack Ukrainian targets but have also been found to breach EU airspace. The investigation underscores the urgency for European nations to scrutinize their export controls more carefully and enforce stricter measures to prevent the flow of dual-use technologies that can be repurposed for military aggression. With European components reinforcing Russia's military capabilities, the implications for regional security in Europe and the broader international community are significant.

This report is part of a larger investigative initiative among eight newsrooms, highlighting the collaborative effort to address misinformation and provide clarity on the intricate networks connecting technology suppliers to military uses in conflicts. It stresses the importance of accountability in the supply chain and encourages countries to implement more robust oversight mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future, as the consequences of inaction could further escalate tensions in the region and beyond.