Ukraine has announced sanctions on three Chinese companies it claims are involved in the production of Iskander missiles used by Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine.
The sanctions, unveiled on Friday, come just a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly accused China of supplying weapons to Russia. In a statement posted on platform X, Zelensky said the sanctioned companies contributed to manufacturing missiles like those used in Thursday’s attack on Kharkiv, which killed one person and injured over 100.
“We have extended Ukrainian sanctions against nearly one hundred individuals and entities—most of them involved in producing Iskander missiles like the ones that struck Kharkiv,” said Zelensky.
“Unfortunately, some of them are from China.”
The targeted firms are:
- Beijing Aviation and Aerospace Xianhui Technology Co. Ltd
- Rui Jin Machinery Co. Ltd
- Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Xining Co. Ltd
All are registered in China and are now barred from operating in Ukraine, with any assets in the country frozen.
The Iskander is a short-range ballistic missile system, extensively used by Russia throughout the war. Ukraine’s intelligence suggests Chinese companies may be supporting its production by providing parts or materials.
Earlier on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry rejected Zelensky’s accusations as unfounded, maintaining its position of neutrality in the war and denying any role in military assistance.
Ukraine’s government had previously reported that China was among its top trading partners, exporting $8 billion in goods—mostly raw materials and agricultural products—in 2021, while imports from China reached nearly $11 billion, mainly in industrial goods.
Zelensky also claimed last week that Chinese nationals have been captured fighting for Russia, raising further concerns about Beijing’s role in the conflict. Ukrainian and U.S. officials later clarified that the fighters may have volunteered for financial reasons, without direct involvement from the Chinese state.
Despite this, Ukraine summoned China’s ambassador to provide explanations.
