The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) revealed that the United States “has evidence” of China’s tendency to supply Moscow with lethal weapons, to be used in the war on Ukraine, which has been going on for a year.
And Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder considered that China’s entry into the Ukraine conflict and its support for Russia “will increase bloodshed and prolong the war,” according to the Sky News Arabia correspondent.
Informed sources told CNN that the United States has intelligence that Beijing is considering providing Russia with drones and ammunition for use in the war in Ukraine.
China proposes a plan for peace in Ukraine, and the West questions Beijing’s intentions
“It does not appear that Beijing has made a final decision yet, but negotiations between Russia and China on the price and scope of the equipment are continuing,” the sources said.
“Since the start of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Moscow has repeatedly requested drones and ammunition from China, and Beijing has been actively debating over the past few months whether or not to send lethal assistance,” the sources familiar with the intelligence added.
Last week, the United States and its allies issued a public warning of possible Chinese military support to Russia, in an attempt to deter Beijing from moving forward with the alleged plans, and “crossing the point of no return,” according to US officials.
Since the start of the war, China has avoided public support for Russia, but has not condemned the military offensive that began on February 24, 2022.
Recently, China called for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and stressed its respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity as well as Russia’s security demands.
The West downplayed the importance of the Chinese initiative, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considered that “it is necessary to work with Beijing,” announcing that he intends to hold a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
“I intend to meet Xi Jinping. It will be important for global security. China respects territorial integrity and must do everything to ensure that Russia leaves Ukraine,” Zelensky said during a press conference on Friday.
The Ukrainian president expressed his hope that China would not supply weapons to Russia, and added: “For me, this is very important. This is the most important point. I want to believe that China will be on the side of a just world, that is, on our side.”
