China boosts Russian drone production for strikes on Ukraine, ISW says
China helps Russia increase drone production (photo: defence-ua.com)
China is helping the Russian industry increase the production of strike drones that the Russian army uses to attack Ukraine, according to an ISW report.
"PRC's (People's Republic of China - ed.) supplies to the Russian DIB (Russian defense industrial base - ed.) have enabled Russia to improve and scale up its production of drones that Russian forces use to launch long-range strikes against the Ukrainian rear and to strike the Ukrainian near rear," the ISW report says.
Analysts also note that drones equipped with Chinese components are striking Ukraine's near rear areas, complicating logistics along the front line.
China strengthens Russia's defense sector
At the official level, China declares a neutral position on Russia's war against Ukraine, but in practice, it continues to maintain close ties with Moscow.
Media reports have indicated that a number of Chinese companies supply Russia with dual-use goods that can be used in military production.
In addition, China has become one of the main suppliers to the Russian army, and there have also been reports of a possible transfer of lethal weapons.
According to Reuters, Chinese-made aircraft engines are likely being delivered to Russia covertly, declared as industrial refrigeration systems in order to circumvent Western sanctions.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that China has significant influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin and is not interested in ending the war against Ukraine, as Beijing views Russia as an important partner in its confrontation with the United States.
