Russia's war relies on aid from one particular country – Intelligence statement
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian president (Getty Images)
Russia has been able to continue its full-scale war against Ukraine largely due to extensive support from a specific country, according to a publication by Clash Report.
Also read: Russia destroys major drone manufacturing plant in Ukraine - Scale of damage is staggering
Despite public statements about aid from other countries, it is China’s resources that, according to Western experts, have been the decisive factor for the Kremlin.
Former head of British intelligence MI6, Richard Moore, stated that it was Beijing that provided Moscow with the most significant support during the war.
According to him, China’s contribution far exceeds that of Iran or North Korea, even though these countries are more frequently mentioned in the media due to weapons deliveries and personnel.
"I am absolutely certain that Putin would have already lost without the support from China that he received. Headlines often focus on North Korea providing approximately 12,000 troops for the battle near Kursk, or Iran supplying drone technology," Moore said.
Russian army losses
The former MI6 chief also highlighted the scale of Russian military losses. By his estimate, by the end of 2025, casualties reached a historic peak that is difficult to replace even with active mobilization.
In particular, in December 2025, around 30,000 Russian soldiers were reportedly killed.
"That’s as many as they lost over a decade-long campaign in Afghanistan. The losses are horrific, and even Russia will struggle to make up for them," he emphasized.
Moore stressed that, despite all the attention on Iranian deliveries and North Korean personnel, it is China’s support that remains the system-forming element allowing Moscow to continue its aggression against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the German Ministry of Defense plans to rapidly purchase several thousand strike drones from two domestic manufacturers for the Bundeswehr. The project has a budget of €536 million, which will allow the army to quickly enhance its capabilities in modern drone operations.
Ukrainian defense forces have carried out strikes on Russian military targets, hitting a command post near Sudzha in the Kursk region and destroying a drone depot in the Rostov region. Approximately 6,000 FPV drones, intended for combat operations, were eliminated during the operation.
