The US named two countries providing weapons to Russia

(Dan Tri) – The US says China has not sent weapons to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, although North Korea and Iran have participated in arms transactions with Moscow.

Soldiers fire artillery during Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine (Photo: Sputnik).

`We have not seen China supply actual weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. North Korea is doing that. Iran is doing that,` US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Despite pointing out the differences, Blinken also reiterated concerns about China’s `tremendous` support for Russia’s defense industry.

`What we’re seeing is that China is providing a lot of support to Russia’s defense industry,` Blinken added.

According to Secretary of State Blinken, Russia has imported a large amount of machine tools, microelectronic equipment and other imported items from China amid the prolonged war in Ukraine.

`Most of it is used to build the defense industrial base. As a result, we have seen Russia produce tanks and artillery shells at a record speed,` the US diplomat added.

Secretary of State Blinken said he raised the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a trip to Beijing last month.

`We have raised this issue publicly. We have provided information to allies and partners. And it is very clear… especially to those Europeans who consider Russia’s aggression

`You cannot have China on the one hand claiming to seek better relations with countries in Europe, and on the other hand pose the greatest security threat to Europe since the end of the Cold War.`

He noted that Washington has sanctioned more than 100 Chinese entities involved in supplying dual-use and other items to Russia.

`We will continue to do that,` he warned.

The United States on May 16 announced new sanctions against two Russian individuals and three Russian companies for allegedly supporting weapons transfers between Moscow and North Korea, including ballistic missiles for use.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller accused Russia of using more than 40 North Korean-made ballistic missiles to attack Ukraine as well as ammunition.

Both Russia and North Korea deny the allegations, but the two countries in 2023 vowed to cooperate even more closely.