The Tragedy in Sumy. Russian Drones and Supplies from China

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Another barbaric shelling with Russian drones has led to new casualties among the civilians in Ukraine. Residential areas and medical facilities were attacked. Russia has once againdeliberately used its intimidation tactics against civilian infrastructure. On September 28, 2024, Russia launched a series ofdrone attacks in Sumy, brutally targeted a local hospital. At least 10 people were killed and more than 22 were injured. Among the victims were not only hospital patients, but also rescue workers.

Russian forces used its typical tactic of double-taps, when rescue workers arrived at the scene, there was a second strike. The second strike hit people who were evacuating the victims, which is a gross violation of international humanitarian law. Attacks on hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure are prohibited by international conventions. Russia continues to ignore them, sowing chaos and destructing.

This attack proves not only Russia’s aggression, but also the important role of its allies, in particular China, which continues to supply Russia with important components for such attacks. Chinese companies provide engines and other components that are used in Russian Shahed and Geran drones. Despite Western sanctions, Russia continuous to use Chinese dual-use technologies, contributing to its military power and escalatinghumanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

In particular, Chinese MILE NAO XIANG TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD and CHIP SPACE ELECTRONICS CO. LTD supply key components for Russian drones, thereby violating international sanctions regimes. This argues for not only tougher sanctions against Russia, but also for strengthening control over dual-use technologies, especially from China.

As is known, Russia actively uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target and attack civilian infrastructure, which leads to the death of civilians in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2022, the number of UAVs produced by Russia has already reached tens of thousands. It is worth noting that all the aforementioned Chinese companies supply their products exclusively to Russia, focusing exclusively on this market. No doubts, the country’s top leadership are involved in organization of such exports from China, especially given the Western sanctions. However, China is in no hurry to stop these supplies.

Sumy’s tragedy is another confirmation of Russia’s aggression not only against Ukraine, but potentially against all of Europe. The Kremlin continues to implement its imperial ambitions, seeking to expand its influence, which poses a real danger to international security. Strikes against Ukrainian cities could go further againstEurope and other countries if the international community does not take decisive action. It should include both increased sanctions pressure on China and Russia and the Peace Formula of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, which is based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter. Only the permission to carry out long-range strikes against military targets on Russian territory will help Ukraine not only to stop aggression, but also to prevent its spread in Ukraine and beyond.