Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service has confirmed that China is supplying Russia’s arms industry with crucial materials and equipment. According to Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Kyiv’s foreign intelligence service, Ukraine has data that confirms China is providing important materials and equipment to 20 Russian military factories.
Specifically, Ivashchenko stated that “there is information that China supplies tooling machines, special chemical products, gunpowder, and components specifically to defence manufacturing industries.” He added that Ukraine has “confirmed data on 20 Russian factories”.
China has denied these allegations, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying that “the Ukrainian side knows this full well, and China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation”. This denial comes despite Ukraine’s claims that China has been aiding Moscow’s war against its neighbor.
The accusations are not new, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously accusing China of supplying gunpowder and materials to Russia’s arms manufacturers. In fact, Zelensky claimed that Chinese citizens have helped in the production of drones. China rejected these claims as “groundless,” but Kyiv has since imposed sanctions on three Chinese entities.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency has also found evidence of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the aviation sector, including the transfer of equipment, spare parts, and technical documentation. According to Ivashchenko, “as of early 2025, 80 percent of critical electronic components found in Russian drones originated in China”. This suggests a significant reliance on Chinese components in Russia’s drone technology.
The development comes as Russia launched a record number of drones against Ukraine, with 298 drones and 69 missiles deployed. Ukraine’s Air Force claimed to have downed 266 drones and 45 missiles, although Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify the figures.
China’s alleged support of Russia’s arms industry has sparked intense debate, with Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service confirming that China is supplying materials and equipment to 20 Russian military factories. Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Kyiv’s foreign intelligence service, stated that China is providing tooling machines, chemical products, gunpowder, and components to Russia’s defense manufacturing industries. However, China has rejected these claims, asserting that it is a peace-seeking nation that supports a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine.
From another perspective, it’s worth noting that China’s actions in this situation could be seen as a strategic move to maintain its influence in global politics. As a major world power, China has significant economic and diplomatic interests in both Russia and Ukraine. By allegedly supplying Russia’s arms industry, China may be attempting to support its long-standing partner while also navigating the complexities of its relationship with Ukraine. This perspective highlights the intricate dynamics at play in international relations, where nations often prioritize their own strategic interests over taking sides in conflicts.