EU to sanction China over military support for Russia – Politico

EU responds to Chinese drone deliveries

According to an EU diplomat, the European Union may impose sanctions on China for circumventing anti-Russian sanctions.

The reason for this was a Reuters publication in July, which reported that Chinese drone engines were secretly supplied to Russia through front companies. They were declared as industrial refrigeration units to circumvent Western restrictions.

China's role is cause for concern

According to the diplomat, the European Union was aware of Beijing's transfer of drones even before the publication of the report. After August, the EU intends to push for sanctions, he said.

"The report is accurate and it shows China is escalating its role, both quantitatively and qualitatively," the diplomat emphasized. According to him, without China's support, the war against Ukraine would look completely different.

Brussels demands more than just dialogue

The EU has already approached China with questions about these deliveries, but Beijing either denies involvement or ignores the requests. “We want dialogue, but also action," the diplomat added.

Brussels believes that the bloc has serious economic leverage over China. The imposition of sanctions could be the next step.

Context: Chinese companies in Europe

Against the backdrop of possible tougher sanctions, Chinese companies continue to enter the European market. For example, Baidu and the American company Lyft have announced the launch of Chinese-made driverless cars in Germany and the UK in 2026.

Previously, Uber and Momenta had presented similar plans. Despite strict EU tariffs, Chinese electric cars remain the cheapest on the market.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president's representative on sanctions policy, said that Beijing has not responded to Ukraine's evidence that Russian weapons contain parts manufactured by Chinese companies.

Earlier, Vasiuk said that approximately 60% of foreign parts found in Russian weapons are supplied by China.