Russia threatens French automaker Renault with sanctions over Ukraine drone plans
Illustrative photo: Russia moves to punish Renault over Ukraine drone plans (Getty Images)
The Russian government plans to impose sanctions on the French automaker Renault SAS following reports that the company may begin producing drones for Ukraine, The Moscow Times reports.
A draft decree on the potential sanctions — described as "special economic measures" —was published on Russia's official legal information portal. It refers to a list of "foreign companies engaged in military and technical cooperation" subject to these measures, essentially Russia's version of a sanctions list.
"The Russian government created this sanctions list in May 2022. It also includes another category of entities under restrictions — legal entities targeted by special economic measures (this part is not related to their activity in the military sphere)," the Moscow Times wrote.
Under the new proposal, Renault could be banned from signing contracts with Russian companies, making payments, or conducting securities transactions. At the same time, Russian "partners" of the automaker could be allowed not to fulfill obligations under existing agreements with Renault.
Why Moscow reacted with outrage
Renault, which had operated in Russia since 1992, was forced in 2022 to "sell" its Russian assets to the Kremlin for one ruble. In return, it received a six-year option to buy back its business in the country.
Today, Renault's former factories in Russia produce copies of Chinese car models. The Moscow plant assembles them under the old Soviet brand Moskvitch.
After reports in June 2025 that Renault had approached France's Defense Ministry with a proposal to start drone production in Ukraine, Moscow "erupted in hysteria." The Kremlin resorted to open blackmail.
"Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that the possible implementation of such plans would be an 'unfriendly act' toward Russia and warned that it would also become an obstacle to Renault’s return to the country, despite the previously agreed option," the outlet noted.
Renault's drone production in Ukraine
On July 1, 2025, it became known that drones by the French automaker could be produced in Ukraine. The issue was discussed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron during the NATO summit in The Hague.
Earlier, Euronews, citing its own sources, reported that the French company Renault will help with drone production in Ukraine. It was planned that the company and another defense firm would launch production deep in the country's rear.
Sanctions against Russia
While Moscow continues to use sanctions — a tool typically reserved for democratic nations—it remains under growing restrictions itself.
On October 11, Ukraine imposed new sanctions targeting individuals and companies involved in supporting Russia's war machine or helping it evade existing restrictions.
US President Donald Trump has not ruled out additional sanctions on Russia, saying such measures remain an option to pressure Russian leader Vladimir Putin into peace talks over Ukraine.
