Electronic components from Irish companies are being shipped to Russia in vast quantities where they are often fitted to “kamikaze drones” for use against civilian targets in Ukraine, an Irish Times investigation has found. In a 15-month period, beginning in January 2024, just under 10 tonnes of components from Irish companies reached Russia. All but 4 per cent consisted of components subject to EU export bans, an analysis of trade data shows. Instead they came from a variety of wholesale and export companies, mostly based in China. “We do not, and will not, sell to any entity identified as facilitating the diversion of technology to Russia,” Taoglas said in a detailed statement.

Source: The Irish Times February 18, 2026 13:30 UTC