Dutch chips being found in Russian drones despite export ban

Dutch chips and other electronic components are still being used in the manufacture of Russian drones despite an export ban since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago.

Research by RTL Nieuws found hundreds of chips made in western countries in the debris of Russian drones, missiles and other weapons systems recovered from the war zone.

Nearly 300 components whose manufacturing date could be traced were made after February 24, 2022, when the United States and the European Union banned the sale of parts that could be used to make weapons systems to Russia.

Two-thirds of the 53 Dutch-manufactured parts with an identifiable date were made after the invasion, some of them in the last year, RTL Nieuws said. Dutch authorities had confirmed that the Ukrainian data was reliable.

By contrast, nine parts made in Germany were found in the wreckage, but only one was produced after the sanctions came in.

The foreign affairs ministry said it was “deeply unfortunate” that parts made by Dutch companies were still being used to make Russian munitions.

The cabinet recently announced it was investing another €36.5 million in enforcing sanctions. The ministry said it was in “close contact with Ukrainian authorities” to tackle manufacturers who breached the rules.