Defence Intelligence Chief believes China will not supply weapons to Russia
Ukrainian Defence Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov believes that China will not agree to supply weapons to Russia as of now.
Source: Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Major General Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with Voice of America [a state-owned news network and international radio broadcaster of the United States of America – ed.]
Quote: "I do not share this opinion [that China can supply weapons to Russia – ed.]. As of now, I don't think that China will agree to the transfer of weapons to Russia. I don't see any signs that such things are even being discussed.
I don't see any such facts."
Details: According to him, almost the only country that transfers "more or less serious" weapons to Russia is Iran. He added that there was information about the supply from North Korea, but Ukrainian intelligence has no confirmation of this, and weapons from North Korea have never been found in Ukraine.
At the same time, he stressed that these weapons can be used for "some other needs", so perhaps their use could not be found.
Quote: "Russia is just trying to buy anything anywhere. Because their problems are significant. Serbia, which everyone in Russia so hoped for, refused to transfer weapons. There are certain attempts to buy through third countries – to import weapons on a more or less large scale. Now they are trying it with Myanmar. We'll see what happens over time. But in fact, Russia is limited in the issue of weapons to, let's say, Iran."
Background:
- On Friday, 24 February, President Joe Biden said the US "would respond" if China were to supply Russia with lethal weapons in its war against Ukraine.
- On Sunday, 19 February, Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State, confirmed media reports about China discussing the possibility of providing Russia with lethal military aid that could be directed to support aggression against Ukraine.
- According to earlier reports, the Biden administration expressed concern to Beijing over evidence that Chinese companies were selling non-lethal equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine, including bulletproof vests and helmets.
- William Burns, Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, has confirmed that the Chinese government is considering providing Russia with lethal weapons for the war against Ukraine, although a final decision has yet to be made.
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