Kathrine Frich
Ukrainian and European sources claim Chinese components continue to flow into Russia.
Ukrainian and European sources claim Chinese components continue to flow into Russia.
China Accused of Siding With Russia Over Drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused China of restricting the sale of drones to Ukraine and its European allies, while allegedly continuing to supply drones and critical components to Russia.
The claim has sparked renewed tension in already fragile diplomatic ties.
“Available to Russians, But Not Ukrainians”
“The Chinese Mavic is available to Russians, but not to Ukrainians,” Zelensky told reporters, referring to the widely used commercial drone that can be adapted to carry explosives.
The Ukrainian leader’s comments were backed by EU officials, who say China is tightening controls on drone components for Western buyers.
Key Eyes on the Battlefield
According to Andriy Kovalenko from Ukraine’s Center for Combating Disinformation, the Mavic 3 and 3T are vital tools in battlefield surveillance.
He personally used the drones for airdrop operations. Chinese agents reportedly monitored their sales in countries like Poland since early in the war.
China Dismisses Accusations
China’s Foreign Ministry denied the allegations, reiterating its official stance: “We have never supplied lethal weapons to either side.”
The ministry emphasized that Beijing controls dual-use exports, goods that can serve civilian or military purposes, and accused critics of “political manipulation.”
Critical Drone Components Flow to Russia
Despite China’s denials, Ukrainian and European sources claim Chinese components, including magnets and electronics used in drone motors, continue to flow into Russia.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that by early 2025, up to 80% of the critical parts in Russian drones came from Chinese suppliers.
World’s Drone Superpower
China dominates the global drone market. DJI, the world’s largest commercial drone maker, holds 80% of the global consumer market and 90% of the U.S. commercial drone market.
Ukraine, once a top DJI customer, reportedly bought 60% of all Mavic drones produced worldwide in 2023.
Export Bans: Public or Performative?
In 2023 and 2024, China introduced bans on long-range drones and export restrictions for UAVs to both Ukraine and Russia.
While officials claim the moves are aimed at keeping drones out of war zones, critics say enforcement appears uneven and favors Moscow.
Drone Co-Development with Russia?
Bloomberg reported that Chinese and Russian firms are collaborating on new combat drone technology.
The U.S. and EU have since imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies linked to this cooperation, targeting the flow of parts used in Russian weapon systems.
Ukraine Builds Its Own Drone Army
In response to shortages, Ukraine has dramatically ramped up domestic drone production, from just a few thousand in 2022 to over two million in 2024.
The 2025 goal: 2.5 million drones. Today, 96% of drones used by the Ukrainian military are domestically produced.
Losing 10,000 Drones a Month
Despite rapid production, losses are steep. Ukraine estimates it loses around 10,000 drones every month to electronic warfare and enemy strikes.
The government has increased funding for interception drones and missile defense in a race to keep up with growing Russian aggression.