UK sanctions networks accused of trafficking Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine war

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 5, the UK said the measures target 35 individuals and entities linked to the production of Russian drones and to human trafficking networks.

The UK said some of the sanctioned networks have been “deceptively recruiting” foreign migrants in search of jobs, only for them to be sent to the front line or put to work in weapons factories.

“Networks sanctioned today… have been deceptively recruiting foreign migrants, including Kenyans… either sending them to the front line as cannon fodder or putting them to work in weapons factories,” the statement said

The UK also said Russia has intensified drone attacks on Ukraine, claiming Moscow fired the equivalent of more than 200 drones per day into Ukraine in March 2026 — the highest monthly total on record — and could exceed that figure in April.

UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said the exploitation of vulnerable people to sustain the war was “barbaric”.

“Today’s sanctions expose and disrupt the operations of those trafficking migrants as cannon fodder and feeding Putin’s drone factories with illicit components,” Doughty said.

The sanctions also target entities based in third countries, including Thailand and China, accused of supplying drone components and other military goods to Russia.

Among those listed is Pavel Nikitin, whose company develops Russia’s VT-40 drone, described as a cheap, mass-produced attack drone used extensively in assaults on Ukraine.

The UK also sanctioned three individuals linked to recruitment efforts for fighters, including Mikhail Lyapin, whom it described as a key facilitator in the trafficking of Kenyan nationals to Russia on promises of lucrative jobs.

The UK said Kenyans were allegedly coerced into signing contracts with the Russian military and deployed with minimal training.