On September 23, the Center for Public Analytics "Veza" hosted an online interview with Artur Kharetonov, President of the Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine, discussing current geopolitical trends.
He described in detail Vladimir Putin’s recent aggressive statements on military space technologies, emphasizing Russia’s deep dependence on China in the space and defense industries. Kharetonov argued that Russia cannot sustain an independent space program without China, as all major projects from lunar bases to the development of alternative space stations are joint endeavors with Beijing.
He also discussed China’s influence on the war in Ukraine, noting that Russia is fully dependent on China economically and technologically, and that Beijing could end the conflict with a single political decision. Kharetonov dismissed suggestions of a deepening Europe-China rapprochement for now, pointing out that the EU and the US remain united in their approach to China, while the rhetoric of individual European leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, does not change the prevailing trend.
The conversation also touched on security and strategic relations, with Kharetonov underlining that China leverages Russia’s war as a tool in pursuit of its own global ambitions. Supply chains and logistics between China and Europe are guided by American influence and regional realities.
Regarding the recent drone incidents in Scandinavia, Kharetonov advocated for thorough investigation and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, although he did acknowledge a possible Russian-Chinese link in such provocations.
In conclusion, Kharetonov stressed that the future of the war and European geopolitics depends largely on China and its partnership with Russia.
