Chinese Drone Maker Suspends Business in Russia and Ukraine

Top selling Chinese drone manufacturer DJI is suspending all business in Russia and Ukraine, after a Ukraine vice prime minister posted a scathing letter on Twitter.

Thom Patterson

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 02:44 PM ET

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DJI’s AeroScope system can be used to locate drones and drone operators, including Ukranian drone pilots. [Courtesy: DJI]

Key Takeaways:

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI suspended all business in Russia and Ukraine after Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister accused Russian forces of using DJI drones for missile navigation and civilian attacks.
The Ukrainian official demanded DJI block its products in Russia and activate specific features for Ukrainian defense, citing the use of DJI's AeroScope technology by the Russian military.
DJI stated its products are for civilian use, condemned any military application, and pledged to terminate partnerships with distributors who sell its drones for harmful or military purposes.
The suspension comes amidst broader scrutiny over DJI's alleged ties to the Chinese government and previous U.S. concerns regarding the company's data security for national security reasons.

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Top-selling Chinese drone manufacturer DJI is suspending all business in Russia and Ukraine after a Ukraine vice prime minister posted a scathing letter on Twitter.

Invading Russian troops have been using DJI drones to “navigate” missile attacks in Ukraine, according to a letter from Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister-Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov to DJI CEO Frank Wang. The letter, posted on Twitter, demands that DJI cease business in Russia “until the war in Ukraine is fully stopped and fair order is restored.”