Zelenskyy’s office says 90% of Russian missiles and drones use Japanese parts

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s sanctions adviser said that electronic parts made by Japanese companies have been found in around 90% of Russian cruise and ballistic missiles and UAVs used in the war.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, who oversees sanctions policy for Zelenskyy’s office, made the claim in comments relayed by Japan’s Kyodo News. He said Japanese companies’ electronic components—often sold for civilian use—are being incorporated into weapons such as Russia’s Kh-101 cruise missile.

The claim also extends to Russian drone types that Ukraine says are produced based on Iranian designs, as well as other systems Ukraine tracks, including Lancet loitering munitions and Mohajer-6 reconnaissance drones.

Kyodo reported that the parts identified in wreckage analysis were traced to Japanese firms, and that some components appeared to have been routed in ways that make export control enforcement difficult, including through third countries. The report noted that journalists contacted 13 Japanese companies; several were unable to confirm the origin of specific parts based on limited information, while others did not respond.

Vlasiuk urged Japan to tighten export controls to limit dual-use goods being diverted for military purposes.