British Defense Minister Gran Shapps accuses Beijing of supplying weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine, citing “evidence” gathered by US and UK intelligence services, information that contradicts China’s assurances. In a speech at the London Defense Conference, Shapps urges NATO to “wake up” and stimulate defense spending in all allied countries. “Russia and China are collaborating, now we have the proof. US and UK military intelligence is able to reveal that lethal aid is now flying from China to Russia and then to Ukraine,” he declared, also citing the 64% increase percent of trade between the two countries. Russia, as is known, has been receiving weapons and ammunition from North Korea for months, which mainly sends supplies useful for Moscow’s artillery.
France, meanwhile, is open to “the idea of mobilizing” the proceeds of frozen Russian assets in favor of Ukraine “in full compliance with international law”, as French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said in a meeting with the press in Paris in view of the financial G7 in Stresa. Weakening the Bretton Woods global international financial order “is in no one’s interest,” he clarified.
“The Americans have made proposals that fall within the framework of international law”, underlined Le Maire. “We will work in an open and constructive way with the aim of reaching an agreement on this fundamental issue of support for Ukraine for a common position at the G7 in Stresa”.
“In strategic issues the G7 must express a common position – insisted the owner of Bercy – the unity of the G7 makes the strength and effectiveness of its positions”. “There are technical discussions still to be had but the objective is to reach a common position” at the G7 in Stresa.
#Ukraine #London #accuses #China #weapons #Russia #proof