Russia has asked China for military support, including drones, as well as economic assistance for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, according to conversations CNN had with two US officials.
Highlights
- NEW: China says it was not asked by Russia for military equipment or other assistance.
- NEW: Chinese and Russian governments deny that the request happened.
- Russia expanded its offensive to western Ukraine on Sunday, firing missiles near Lviv and hitting a large military base.
- White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, in Rome on Monday.
- The White House has been critical of Beijing’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling it “disconcerting” and “disturbing” The Russian government denies the allegations and accuses the U.S.
- of “peddling disinformation” to the media.