Chinese drones assist Russia in fighting against Ukraine

The information was reported by The Wall Street Journal.

According to customs documents, some of the commercial drones arrive at the front line from Russian distributors supplied by the Chinese company DJI, while others are transported through the United Arab Emirates.

The outlet notes that Russia's continuous deployment of Chinese drones on the Ukrainian battlefield shows how its army has been able to attract critical equipment from abroad, despite a large-scale sanctions campaign.

For example, the army received some DJI drones from the UAE by paying for the delivery through the sanctioned state bank Sberbank.

The Pentagon is concerned that these drones not only fuel Russia's military efforts, but also allow China to collect important intelligence from the battlefield that could increase Beijing's readiness for war.

Some of the drones and their parts were also delivered from the EU.

In September, the Dutch authorities arrested Dmitry Koudriavtsev for allegedly exporting goods to Russia in violation of international export controls. The Federal Prosecutor's Office of the Netherlands stated that Mr. Koudriavtsev, the owner of Woerd-Tech BV, had supplied drones used by the Russian army.

Trade records show that Woerd-Tech sent at least USD 270,000 worth of export-controlled goods to Russia, including parts for DJI drones. 

• On January 27, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said the US has warned China against supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine.

• On January 28, British political analyst Sherr said that China is shifting responsibility for the war against Ukraine to NATO and needs a strong Russia to pacify the US.