Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that China has suspended the sale of drones not only to Ukraine but also to other European countries, while maintaining the ability for Russia to acquire this technology. He made this statement during a conversation with media representatives on May 28.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Restrictions for Ukraine and Advantages for Russia
According to Zelensky, Chinese drones, including the popular Mavic series, remain available to Russian users, while Ukrainians and other potential Western buyers have lost the opportunity to purchase them. The President of Ukraine emphasized that there are production facilities operating in Russia with the involvement of Chinese representatives, allowing Russian forces to increase the number of drones for use on the front lines.
“The Chinese Mavic is open to Russians but closed to Ukrainians,” said Zelensky. “There are production lines on Russian territory where Chinese representatives are present.”
Zelensky’s information is corroborated by an unnamed European official who noted that China has indeed reduced the sale of drones and certain components to Western countries while increasing supplies to Russia.
China’s Position and the Reaction of International Players
So far, the Chinese authorities have not officially commented on the new statement from the Ukrainian president. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously stated that Beijing does not provide weapons to either side in the war between Russia and Ukraine and strictly controls the export of dual-use goods. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized:
“China’s position on the Ukrainian issue is consistent and clear. We strive for a ceasefire and to promote peaceful negotiations. China has never supplied lethal weapons to either side of the conflict and strictly controls dual-use goods. Ukraine understands this well. China firmly opposes unfounded accusations and political manipulation,” said the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning.
China declares neutrality in the war, unlike the United States and other Western countries that support Ukraine with military aid. At the same time, Beijing maintains close political and economic ties with Russia. NATO members have repeatedly referred to China as a “decisive enabler” of the Russian war, as Beijing has yet to condemn the aggression.
Investigations by Ukrainian journalists have also revealed that after the imposition of Western sanctions, China became the main supplier of rare metals for the Russian military industry.
The Kremlin stated that it does not involve China in the war against Ukraine and that Beijing’s position is “balanced.” This is how Dmitry Peskov commented on Zelensky’s words about at least 155 Chinese citizens participating in the fighting on the side of Russia, being recruited through social media.