In the wake of a massive Russian air attack on Ukraine on July 3, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, revealed that drone components associated with the attack were found in Kyiv. These items, Sybiha claimed, were parts of a Russian-Iranian Shahed-136/Geran-2 combat drone, assembled with significant Chinese electronics and materials. This discovery came just days after the Russian missile and drone strike on Odesa caused minor damage to the Chinese Consulate General’s building, which Sybiha noted in a tweet.
The July 3 assault on Odesa was particularly devastating, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring six others. Despite the gravity of the incident, China has not publicly acknowledged any damage to its diplomatic premises in the city, and the Ukrainian government awaits further clarity on the extent of the attack’s impact on the Chinese consulate. This lack of official statement has drawn attention, with many observers questioning whether China is withholding information about its diplomatic facilities’ security.
Further complicating the situation is the use of the Shahed-136 drone, a loitering munition that has been central to Russia’s strategy in Ukraine. This drone has been assembled in large numbers in Russia, with many of its components sourced globally, including an increasing share from China. Ukrainian officials have previously documented that Chinese companies have contributed significant components, including sophisticated electronics, used in the production of these drones. This supply chain has raised concerns in Ukraine and the West, particularly with Beijing’s role in enabling Russia’s military operations and circumventing Western sanctions.
China’s diplomatic stance remains ambiguous. While its Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, reportedly conveyed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on July 3 that Beijing cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, this statement does not indicate a shift in China’s overall support for Russia. Instead, it underscores the complexity of Beijing’s strategic calculations, balancing its economic and geopolitical interests with the potential consequences of continued Russian aggression.
The incident has further fueled Zelensky’s repeated accusations against China for supporting Russia. With the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, set to visit China in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, the anticipated summit comes at a critical moment in the Ukraine conflict. Analysts suggest that the summit may mark a significant step in the deepening of Russian-Chinese cooperation, which has already been a cornerstone in Moscow’s efforts to sustain its military operations in Ukraine.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the role of external actors such as China becomes increasingly pivotal. The recent events in Odesa and Kyiv highlight not only the military implications for Ukraine but also the broader geopolitical ramifications of Russian-Chinese collaboration. This collaboration is expected to further strain relations between Ukraine and its global partners, as well as reshape the economic and political landscape for both Russia and China in the coming months.