Ukraine Says It Can Confirm Beijing Is Arming Russia; Analysts Say Pressure Now Falls on US and EU

Ukrainian intelligence said Chinese machine tools, chemicals, gunpowder, and drone parts feed at least 20 Russian arms plants, despite Beijing’s denials.

Ukrainian servicemen of the Skala regiment artillery unit wait next to shells as their fellow soldiers fire an M109 howitzer toward Russian positions, in an undisclosed area, in the eastern Donetsk region, on April 23, 2025. Roman Pilipey/ AFP via Getty Images

Ukraine on Monday laid out what it calls “confirmed” intelligence that China is quietly sustaining Russia’s war effort.

Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, told state news agency Ukrinform on May 26 that China is supplying machine tools, specialty chemicals, gunpowder, and drone electronics to at least 20 Russian arms factories.