Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky recently appeared to take a veiled swipe at China over its tighter controls on drone exports. In response to Beijing’s introduction of two-year controls on foreign sales of civilian drones and related equipment last year, Zelensky posted a social media message stating that Ukraine will find ways to adapt to these restrictions.
China implemented the stricter measures after facing claims that both Russia and Ukraine were “weaponizing” Chinese products. The rules were further adjusted in July, with the new restrictions taking effect on September 1. Last year, Russia and Ukraine reportedly rearranged supply chains to maintain the flow of Chinese drone components through intermediaries. However, there are concerns in Kiev that these latest adjustments will cause further disruption, making acquisition more lengthy and expensive.
Ukrainian officials claim they have made significant progress in domestic manufacturing of weapons, particularly drones; however, the country still heavily relies on foreign parts, including those from China. Artyom Vyunnik, CEO of a Ukrainian drone manufacturer, noted that logistics alone can take five to six months, and there is also time required for manufacturing. Combined with the red tape related to the military nature of contracts, drone makers face challenges in adapting quickly to the changing demands on the front line.
Zelensky has recently directed several criticisms at China, which he alleges is taking Russia’s side in the conflict. Last week, he accused Beijing of colluding with Brazil to advocate a “destructive” peace proposal. The Ukrainian leader was also upset that Kiev was not approached to approve the proposal. Additionally, while preparing for a so-called ‘peace summit’ in Switzerland during the summer, Zelensky denounced China as a Russian “tool,” claiming that Beijing was secretly working to undermine the event on Moscow’s behalf. Russia did not attend the gathering, which it called detached from reality and irrelevant.
China maintains that it is neutral in the Ukraine conflict and seeks an end to the fighting while addressing the concerns of both parties. The restrictions on drone exports have been explained as a desire to prevent their misuse for military purposes.