In November 2023, representatives from two Chinese companies, Zhongxin Heavy Industrial Machinery and Amma Construction Machinery, signed a deal to supply stone-crushing machinery for construction projects in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine. The contract was announced by Evgeny Solntsev, the former "prime minister" of the self-proclaimed "People's Republic of Donetsk." Photos posted on social media showed Chinese representatives alongside separatist officials, with flags of China, Russia, and the "People's Republic of Donetsk." The machinery was supplied to the Karansky quarry, with the crushed stone used for construction in occupied areas, including the port city of Mariupol.

Despite Russia's annexation of Donetsk and Luhansk in 2022, these regions, along with two others, retain nominal independence while being under Moscow's full control. Russia-backed authorities in these areas have faced accusations of human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial killings of individuals who resisted sharing wealth with separatists. The involvement of Chinese companies in these occupied territories underscores a complex economic dynamic that benefits Russia's continued presence and development efforts.

According to Ukrainian monitors, more than a dozen Chinese companies are currently operating in Donetsk and Luhansk. While Zhongxin Heavy Industrial Machinery did not respond to requests for comment, Amma Construction Machinery, which lists a phone number in Irkutsk, Russia, and a link to an equipment export company, also did not comment. The presence of these firms suggests a willingness to engage in business within territories under dispute and international sanctions.

This economic activity raises questions about the extent to which foreign companies are willing to operate in areas controlled by Russia, potentially circumventing international norms and sanctions. The construction projects, particularly in Mariupol, are proceeding on top of sites where thousands of civilians were killed during the city's siege in 2022, adding a grim context to the rebuilding efforts.

Sources indicate that Iran has also found avenues to profit within these occupied regions. While specific details are less pronounced in the provided material, the broader context suggests that both Chinese and Iranian entities are identifying opportunities in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories. This international engagement, even if through less prominent companies, provides material support for Russia's objectives in the occupied areas.

The situation highlights the challenges in enforcing international isolation on Russia, as certain global businesses appear prepared to engage economically with Moscow-controlled territories. The deals inked in Moscow but concerning Ukrainian land emphasize the layered control and influence Russia exerts over these regions, despite international non-recognition.

Ukraine has officially condemned such activities, viewing them as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, enforcing sanctions and preventing such cross-border business deals remains a significant challenge for Kyiv, especially when companies operate through intermediaries or obscure corporate structures.

Further investigations into the specific trade flows, financial transactions, and the full scope of companies involved from both China and Iran would be necessary to fully understand the economic implications and the extent of their involvement in Russia's occupation of Ukrainian regions.