China has drastically limited the sale of Mavic drones and their components to Ukraine and Western countries, while significantly increasing supplies to Russia, according to recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and multiple sources cited by Bloomberg.
Speaking to journalists, President Zelenskyy confirmed that Chinese-manufactured Mavic drones are now widely available to Russian forces but are no longer being supplied to Ukraine or much of Europe. He stated that China has completely blocked drone exports to Kyiv while continuing to equip Russia, revealing that Chinese nationals are physically present on Russian territory where drones are being assembled.
These drones, particularly the Mavic quadcopter models, have become a major tool in Ukraine’s defence operations, often adapted for reconnaissance or to carry explosives. Zelenskyy said Ukraine has firm evidence of Chinese workers active in Russian drone plants, with the UAVs produced there later used in attacks against Ukraine.
An anonymous European official also confirmed that Zelenskyy’s remarks matched assessments from within European intelligence circles. The same source noted that China has not only scaled back drone and component sales to Western countries but is reportedly increasing shipments to Russia, including vital parts such as magnets used in drone motors.
Although China has publicly denied arming either side in the war, there is growing documentation that it is actively helping the Kremlin sidestep Western sanctions. In fact, President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials have previously claimed that around 60 percent of the foreign-made components found in Russian weaponry recovered from the battlefield originate from China.
In September 2024, it emerged that Chinese companies were covertly supplying military equipment to Russia, despite Beijing’s denials. This spring, Ukraine once again publicly accused China of providing military support to Russia.
