China's growing role in Russian aggression alarms Ukraine
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that Ukraine has obtained evidence of arms shipments from China to Russia. This marks the first time Kyiv has publicly confirmed Beijing's direct involvement in supporting Russian military actions, reports Defense Express. What kind of weapons might the Chinese be providing to the Kremlin?
Zelensky emphasized that while this information is unpleasant, it is crucial for the defence of Ukraine and international security. According to data from the Security Service of Ukraine and other intelligence agencies, the shipments include significant military materials, such as gunpowder and artillery shells.
China may support Russia with arms shipments
Details regarding the quantity and transportation routes remain undisclosed; however, Ukrainian officials claim that these shipments are ongoing and play a significant role in sustaining the Russian offensive. Zelensky also announced that more information about the presence of Chinese personnel on Russian territory will be disclosed next week.
"I think we will be able to talk about this in great detail next week, especially about the data that we believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia," he noted.
If this information is confirmed, the on-site cooperation between Moscow and Beijing could significantly impact the strategic landscape of the war in Ukraine. Chinese factories have been producing ammunition compatible with Soviet standards for years, aligning with the needs of the Russian army. 152-millimetre (mm) caliber shells, used by Russian howitzers such as the 2S19 Msta-S or D-20, are not only compatible with Russian equipment but also available in substantial quantities in Chinese stocks.
Additionally, China possesses a well-developed production line for 122-mm ammunition, used in 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers and self-propelled guns like the BM-21 Grad, which utilize 122-mm caliber rockets – also present in the Chinese arsenal. A crucial aspect is China's capabilities to produce precision ammunition, such as shells with flight correction systems or laser-guided missiles.
