China restricts sales of Mavic drones to Ukraine, but increases supplies to Russia

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy says China has stopped supplying drones to Ukraine and European countries, while retaining access to drones for Russia.

Here's What We Know

Speaking to the media on 28 May, Zelenskyy explicitly stated that Chinese drones, in particular Mavic models, are not available to Ukraine, while Russians have free access to them. He also added that there are production lines with Chinese representatives in Russia, which allows the Russian army to constantly increase the number of drones.

His words were confirmed by a European official quoted by Bloomberg. According to his estimates, China has indeed reduced the supply of some drone components to Western buyers, while increasing its exports to Russia.

"When someone asks whether China is helping Russia, how should we assess these steps?" Zelenskyy said.

There has been no official comment from Beijing on the Ukrainian president's statement. However, the day before, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated that it does not supply weapons to either side and maintains strict control over dual-use goods.

"China's position on the Ukrainian issue is consistent and clear. We are committed to achieving a ceasefire and promoting peaceful negotiations. China has never supplied lethal weapons to any party to the conflict and strictly controls dual-use goods," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, adding that Beijing opposes "baseless accusations and political manipulation".

China has traditionally tried to maintain the image of a neutral player in the war by not providing official military support, but China's actions make it clear whose side it is on and who it is helping to win.

Source: Bloomberg