Chinese and Iranian companies profiting in Russian-occupied Ukraine

In November 2023, two Chinese companies, Zhongxin Heavy Industrial Machinery and Amma Construction Machinery, signed a contract to supply stone-crushing machinery for construction projects in the Donetsk region, which is controlled by Russian-backed separatists. The deal, announced by Evgeny Solntsev, the separatist “prime minister,” was made in Moscow and involves equipment for projects in areas occupied by Russia, including the controversial reconstruction of Mariupol. Despite China’s official stance of neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, its companies are significantly involved in the occupied territories, risking sanctions while contributing to the local economy.

Want More Context? 🔎