Russia-Ukraine war live: Putin threatens to strengthen nuclear forces; Nato chief sees ‘signs’ China may provide support to Russia

Nato’s chief said on Wednesday that the military alliance had seen “some signs” that China may be planning to support Russia in its war in Ukraine, and strongly urged Beijing to desist from what would be a violation of international law.

The Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, also told the Associated Press in an interview that the alliance, while not a party to the war, would support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”.

Asked whether Nato had any indication that China might be ready to provide arms or other support to Russia’s war, Stoltenberg said: “We have seen some signs that they may be planning for that and of course Nato allies, the United States, have been warning against it because this is something that should not happen. China should not support Russia’s illegal war.”

Stoltenberg said potential Chinese assistance would amount to providing “[direct] support to a blatant violation of international law, and of course [as] a member of the UN security council China should not in any way support violation of the UN charter, or international law.”

On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin hosted the Chinese Communist party’s most senior foreign policy official, Wang Yi, raising concern in the west that Beijing might be ready to offer Moscow stronger support in the almost year-old war.