China's covert role in bolstering Russian drone warfare

Chinese companies play a crucial role in supplying electronics for Russian drones. About 80% of the key components come from China, as shared by Oleh Iwaschenko, head of the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, in an interview with Ukrinform.

Iwaschenko emphasized that China supplies not just electronics but also gunpowder, specialized chemicals and machinery to at least 20 Russian defence plants. These supplies are critical for the Russian arms industry.

In the years 2024-2025, Ukrainian intelligence recorded at least five cases of aviation cooperation between China and Russia. These included the supply of equipment, spare parts and technical documentation, indicating deep technological collaboration.

In six cases, large shipments of specialized chemicals were documented. Chinese companies disguise the true nature of the shipments through intermediaries, false labels and proxy networks, enabling the discreet delivery of microelectronics needed by Russia.

The components mentioned are required by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the production of various types of weapons used on the front. This includes drones, which the Russians aim to produce in greater numbers. It is with the aid of this equipment that the army conducts regular mass shelling of Ukraine.

It is also noteworthy that on May 17, China launched six satellites for Spacety, a company previously sanctioned by the United States for providing satellite images to the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization. The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Center in northwestern China.

These actions highlight how China supports the Russian arms industry, which is significant for the global balance of power. The Ukrainian intelligence continues to monitor these activities to understand their full scope and impact on the international situation.