China provides Russia with USD 12 million worth of drones and parts 

The New York Times reported the information.

After the outbreak of a full-scale war, Russia and China did not stop their "quiet cooperation" in the military sphere. According to official data from Chinese customs, China has sold about USD 12 million worth of drones and spare parts to Russia over the past year.

"The official sales are likely only one part of a larger flow of technologies through unofficial channels and other nations friendly to Russia, like Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Belarus. The result is a steady supply of new drones to Russia that make their way to the front lines of its war with Ukraine," the article says. 

The publication notes that the deliveries are taking place despite the sanctions imposed by the US - the US efforts are complicated by China's leadership in the global electronics supply chain.

According to the NYT, replenishing stocks of even the simplest drones is as important as providing artillery ammunition. Russia received most of the drones from the Chinese company DJI - the products are delivered to Russia through small intermediaries and exporters.

• On March 5, the European Commission reported that the EU currently has no evidence that China has plans to supply weapons to Russia. Nevertheless, officials noted that they continue to monitor this issue on a daily basis. 

• On February 22, the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied that the country would supply Russia with lethal weapons. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin accused the US and NATO of spreading lies about Beijing's role in Russia's war against Ukraine.