A senior NATO official told reporters in Brussels that China remains a linchpin in sustaining Russia’s defense industry—a relationship NATO says has become a decisive factor enabling Moscow to wage the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi reported on October 14.

According to the official, roughly 80% of the critical electronic components used in Russian drones and other modern systems are manufactured in China. He also said Beijing has supplied Russia with more than $20 billion in production tools, components, and consumables since 2023—shipments that, in NATO’s assessment, have materially expanded Moscow’s ability to produce tanks, armored vehicles, and missiles.

“About 80% of the critical electronic components used in Russian drones and other modern equipment are made in China. Since 2023 Russia has purchased more than $20 billion in manufacturing tools, components, and consumables,” the official said.

NATO officials described Beijing’s assistance as multi-faceted: direct exports of components and equipment, production by Chinese subsidiaries of Western firms, and re-exports routed through third countries. Those channels, the alliance says, have allowed Russia to scale production despite sanctions and supply-chain hurdles.

The NATO official also accused China of aiding Moscow through non-kinetic means, including disinformation and cyber operations directed at alliance members.