Ukraine has imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies. This comes a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that China is helping Russia by supplying weapons for the war in Ukraine.
The Chinese companies added to Ukraine’s sanctions list are Beijing Aviation And Aerospace Xianghui Technology Co. Ltd, Rui Jin Machinery Co. Ltd, and Zhongfu Shenyang Carbon Fiber Xining Co. Ltd. All three companies are based in China. The sanctions will freeze their assets in Ukraine and block them from doing any business with Ukrainian companies.
President Zelensky said the companies are involved in the production of Iskander missiles. These missiles have been used by Russia in recent attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv.
“Today, we have expanded our Ukrainian sanctions against nearly a hundred more entities — natural and legal persons — most of whom are involved in the production of such missiles — Iskanders — like those that struck our Kharkiv,” Zelensky said in his statement.
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China, however, has denied Zelensky’s claims. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China has never supplied lethal weapons to either side in the conflict. “The Chinese side strictly controls dual-use items,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. He also added that China’s position on the Ukraine war is “clear and consistent” and that Beijing is “actively working for a ceasefire and peace talks.”
Earlier this week, Ukraine showed two Chinese soldiers captured while fighting for Russian forces. The soldiers said that they were under Russian command and had to use hand signs to communicate because of the language gap. Ukraine claims there are at least 155 Chinese citizens fighting on Russia’s side.
Tensions between Ukraine and China have grown in recent months. Zelensky looks vocal on China in recent months. Last year, Zelensky also accused China of helping Russia block peace efforts at an international conference.
