In 2023–2024, Chinese companies supplied Russia with drone components worth at least $63 million. Of this amount, more than $14 million went to Russian sanctioned firms linked to Shahed production, according to an investigation by The Telegraph. Data from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine indicates that the share of Chinese microelectronics in Russian Shaheds has grown to 60–65%, pushing American components into second place and Swiss ones into third — despite China’s repeated claims of supporting peace initiatives.
Recently, Ukrainian MFA spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi urged China to adhere to its stated position that it does not support Russia or its war of aggression against Ukraine. “When we find a component in a Russian drone, whether critical or not, produced in China… When Ukrainian Defence Forces capture Chinese nationals, when we see such investigations by journalists — it becomes harder and harder to believe that this position reflects the reality or honor,” Tykhyi said.
NAKO analysts also note the growing share of Chinese components in weapons used by Russia. “Gradually, China is replacing American and European microelectronics, directly impacting the pace and volume of Russian military production. Therefore, speaking of any neutrality from China is impossible — it is simply untrue,” stressed NAKO Senior Researcher Viktoriia Vyshnivska.
According to her, it is crucial for the pro-democratic coalition to recognize the threat posed by deepening cooperation between Russia and China. “Democracies must be better armed than authoritarian regimes — both in the literal and the economic sense,” she warned.
Illustrative photo / Office of the President of Ukraine
