Stoltenberg states that Beijing contributes to the conflict in Ukraine by backing Russia.
Chinese sales of machine parts, microelectronics, and other technological components have noticeably increased,with these items playing a crucial role in the production of weapons such as missiles, tanks, and aircraft for Russia. Stoltenberg described this support as crucial for Russia's pursuit of conflict in Ukraine.
Russia and China have strengthened their economic ties and strategic partnership throughout the course of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Most recently, Russian President Putin and China's head of state Xi Jinping reinforced their partnership during a meeting in Beijing.
While China maintains its stance as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has received criticism from the West for its refusal to condemn its ally, Russia, for its invasion of Ukraine.
The British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps accused Beijing of supplying "lethal aid" for Russia's operations in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US shares similar concerns about China's support for Russia's military industry.
At present, Ukraine is grappling with a massive ground offensive from Russia in the region of Kharkiv in the country's northeast. According to the Ukrainian military, Moscow's advance was halted in this area, but the Russians escalated their attacks on other parts of the front.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported capturing the village of Archanhelske in the eastern region of Donetsk on Saturday. This small settlement lies close to the village of Ocheretyne, which Moscow claimed to have taken at the beginning of the month.
Stoltenberg urged NATO member states to provide enhanced support for Ukraine in the wake of these setbacks. He called for increased shipments of weapons and ammunition, including air defense systems and long-range weapons, citing insufficient supplies as a primary reason for Ukraine's difficulties.
However, NATO allies must also consider ensuring continued military supplies and increasing manufacturing of weapons and ammunition, Stoltenberg stressed. "If Putin achieves his objectives in Ukraine, there will be no lasting security in Europe, and the entire world will grow more unstable." Stoltenberg reiterated the need to deter further Russian aggression.
On another front, the G7 finance ministers convened in Stresa, northern Italy, and agreed to impose additional sanctions against Russia. Their statement emphasized the intention to broaden financial and economic sanctions targeting Russia's earnings from its energy and raw materials sectors. Western nations enacted massive sanctions following the onset of Russia's war against Ukraine in February 2022.
Negotiations also focused on the potential use of frozen Russian assets to finance humanitarian aid to Ukraine. It was reported that the EU member states agreed earlier in the week to fund additional military aid for Ukraine from the interest earnings on these frozen funds. The initiative aims to raise approximately three billion euros annually.
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Source: www.stern.de
