China sends weapons to Russia for war against Ukraine for first time. EU prepares sanctions - FAZ
Photo: EU High Representative Josep Borrell (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on China for sending weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine for the first time. The EU reportedly has "convincing" evidence of the supplies, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
According to the sources, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell informed EU member states about the relevant intelligence data and called for decisive action.
Borrell stated that the evidence was "convincing" and demonstrated the "provision of lethal support" to Russia.
"Now we must consider the full range of tools, including bans on doing business with Chinese companies, freezing assets, and travel bans. But you also have to speak directly to China and make it clear: 'You have always said you want to remain neutral. You are not neutral. China is also not seeking peace. You are feeding the beast,'" he said.
The news agency's sources declined to elaborate on the intelligence findings. However, a senior diplomat referred to "very serious" reports from Reuters.
At the end of September, the agency reported exclusively that a subsidiary of the Almaz-Antey Russian state defense company, called Kupol, had developed and tested a new long-range combat drone in China and aimed to establish mass production there for use in the war against Ukraine. This involved the participation of Chinese experts.
Cooperation between China and Russia
China claims to maintain a supposedly neutral position regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Chinese companies continue to supply Russia with dual-use goods. Officially, no transfer of Chinese weapons to Moscow has been recorded.
Recently, Ukraine's Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vasiuk, stated that about 60% of foreign components found in Russian weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine originate from China.
Media reports have also indicated that the West possesses evidence of Chinese companies secretly supplying weapons to Russia. This could signal a significant escalation of Beijing's involvement in the war in Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, China is helping Russia prolong its war against Ukraine.
