Ukraine has gathered confirmed intelligence showing that China is supplying critical materials and equipment to Russian defense manufacturers, according to the head of Ukrainian foreign intelligence, Oleh Ivashchenko. In comments made to the Ukrinform state news agency on Monday, Ivashchenko stated that Chinese-origin products—such as machine tools, specialized chemicals, gunpowder, and other components—are being directed specifically to Russian military production facilities.
“We have verified information involving 20 Russian defense factories receiving such support,” he said.
Reuters has reached out to China’s foreign ministry for a response.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, China has deepened its economic ties with Moscow, expanding trade and cooperation as Western sanctions have increasingly isolated the Russian economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines last month when he publicly accused Beijing of providing weapons and gunpowder to Russia—marking the first time Kyiv had directly claimed that China was offering military assistance. Beijing swiftly rejected the accusation, calling it “groundless,” though Ukraine responded by placing sanctions on three Chinese companies.
Ivashchenko further revealed that Ukrainian intelligence has uncovered at least five documented cases of collaboration between Russian and Chinese entities in the aviation sector for 2024–2025. These cases reportedly involve the transfer of equipment, spare parts, and technical documentation. He also mentioned six separate instances involving large shipments of specialized chemicals, though further specifics were not provided.
