Zelensky vows Use of Long-Range U.S.Weapons as Reports Surface of Expanded China-Russia Drone Collaboration
KYIV/WASHINGTON - Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky stated that any long-range weapons received from the United States would be utilized, as reports emerge detailing increased collaboration between Russia and Chinese companies in the development of military drones. The statements come amid ongoing concerns about foreign support for russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
According to a report published by Reuters on September 25, 2024, Russian weapons manufacturer IEMZ Koupol has been developing a new drone, the Garpiya-3, in China with assistance from local specialists. the report details, for the first time, the extensive involvement of Chinese experts in testing and technological work related to drones for military use within Russia.
Two European officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated this collaboration signals a strengthening of ties between Koupol and Chinese drone specialists, who have become critical to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the report stating, ”China has always maintained an objective and fair position on the question of the Ukrainian crisis, never providing lethal weapons to one or the other of the parts of the conflict and strictly controlling double use, including drone exports.“
Neither the Kremlin, the Russian ministry of Defense, nor IEMZ Koupol responded to requests for comment.
Reuters’ examination revealed that koupol received over a dozen unidirectional attack drones produced by Sichuan AEE, a Chinese drone manufacturer, last year. These drones were reportedly acquired through TSK Vektor, a Russian defense equipment company already subject to sanctions by the United States and the European Union. Neither Tsk Vektor nor Sichuan AEE responded to requests for comment.
American and European governments have repeatedly expressed concerns regarding Chinese companies supplying Russian weapons manufacturers, and have imposed sanctions on some of those companies.
The European sources suggested the delivery of Chinese attack drones and the presence of Chinese experts could indicate Koupol’s intention to expand its drone production capabilities.
Reuters noted it could not independently verify the purpose of the drone deliveries or the precise nature of the work conducted by the Chinese experts.
Additionally, Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, recently stated (September 14, 2024) that the alliance “could have done more to prevent the conflict.”
