Russia receives 60% of weapon components from China – Reuters, quoting Zelenskyy's advisor

Ukraine views China as its biggest concern among Russia’s suppliers due to the prevalence of Chinese-made components in the weapons used by Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Source: Reuters, citing President Zelenskyy’s advisor, Vladyslav Vlasiuk

Quote from Zelenskyy’s advisor Vladyslav Vlasiuk: "If you take all the usual types of weapons and count the foreign made components, about 60% would be coming from China. We have had lengthy discussions with some manufacturers about this. The PRC (China) is the biggest problem, I would say."

Details: Vlasiuk said Russia uses Chinese components in drones, surveillance systems and even missiles. Moreover, some components are supplied from the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland and other Western countries, despite sanctions.

Vlasiuk emphasised that the European Union could increase its efforts to stop the flow of Western products to Russia. For instance, actions could be taken against Rosatom, the Russian state atomic energy corporation.

"We believe it (Russia) has been using its networks to supply the Russian army," he said. European capitals have been reluctant to act due to Russia's dominance in supplying nuclear power plants.

He also suggested that the EU could target Russian logistics, such as airports and seaports, and financial institutions that facilitate sales. Vlasiuk pointed to the recent US sanctions package on IT, which he described as very effective since coming into force earlier this month.

Background:

• Although China's exports to Russia remain formally in surplus, market participants report a 30-40% reduction in train shipments this month. 
• In August, Russia faced increasing difficulties with payments for Chinese partners.

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