Belgian company seeks exception to keep operating in Russia's drone hub — as it does so anyway
A Belgian factory continues to operate in Russia's special economic zone known as a key defense production site despite EU requirements to leave the zone by late January 2026.
Belgian company Drylock Technologies, despite being required to leave Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone by late January 2026, continues to operate there, according to a Kyiv Independent investigation. The company, which manufactures diapers and other hygiene products, has a Russian subsidiary that has expressed support for its employees participating in the war against Ukraine.
While Belgium's Federal Public Service Economy has not granted Drylock any derogation, the company is reportedly in talks with the Belgian government regarding an exception. The Alabuga zone is a key defense production site, home to the country's largest factory for Shahed attack drones, which have been used by Russia against Ukrainian civilians.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
