Ukraine has imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies, just a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that Chinese firms were supplying weapons to Russia, escalating diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Beijing.
The move was announced on Friday as Ukraine’s government published an updated list of sanctioned entities, which includes the Chinese firms Beijing Aviation and Aerospace Xianghui Technology Co. Ltd, Rui Jin Machinery Co. Ltd, and Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Xining Co. Ltd. All are listed as companies registered in China.
While no specific reasons were provided for their inclusion, the sanctions bar the companies from conducting business in Ukraine and freeze any assets they may hold within the country.
The announcement follows a sharp accusation by President Zelensky, who on Thursday claimed that his administration had gathered evidence indicating Chinese entities were supplying artillery and gunpowder to Russian forces. He also alleged that some weapons were being manufactured on Russian soil by Chinese-linked companies.
“Chinese nationals are even fighting on the side of Russia,” Zelensky added, referencing two individuals who he said had been captured by Ukrainian forces.
The Chinese foreign ministry swiftly dismissed the allegations, calling them “groundless” and reiterating China’s stance of neutrality in the ongoing conflict. Despite maintaining close economic relations with Russia since the start of the war in 2022, China has consistently denied involvement in the conflict.
According to Ukrainian government data, Ukraine exported goods worth $8 billion to China in 2021—mainly raw materials and agricultural products—while imports from China, largely consisting of manufactured items, totaled just under $11 billion.
The latest sanctions mark a significant development in the war’s international dimension, potentially straining Ukraine’s trade and diplomatic relations with China as the conflict drags into its third year.
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