Ukraine imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies on Friday claiming they were involved in production of advanced Iskander missiles, a day after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy alleged that China had been supplying weapons to Russia.

Ukraine has evidence that China is supporting Russia's war effort. "Today, we have general information from the Security Service (of Ukraine), from intelligence about gunpowder, artillery," revealed Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Zelensky wasted little time in casting the men as proof that “one more” nation – China – had joined the war against his country. However, the truth may be more mundane – that these men are part of ragtag mercenary forces hoovered up by Moscow’s meat-hungry armed forces.