China’s Indirect Support Bolsters Russia’s Weapons Production, Says Report 2026

WAR-REPORT : The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to play a significant role in sustaining Russia’s weapons production by supplying critical technology and advanced equipment, according to a report published by The Telegraph on January 28. The newspaper identified approximately $10.3 billion worth of Chinese-origin technology and equipment transferred to Russia over an unspecified period, highlighting Beijing’s ongoing indirect support for Moscow’s defense industrial base.

According to the report, Russia is using Chinese computer numerical control (CNC) machines to manufacture Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) at the Votkinsk Plant in the Republic of Udmurtia. Similar Chinese-supplied equipment is reportedly being used to produce Shahed-type long-range drones at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) in the Republic of Tatarstan. In addition to industrial machinery, China is also supplying Russia with millions of dollars’ worth of microchips, memory boards, ball bearings, telescopic sights, and mounted piezoelectric crystals.

While the PRC continues to avoid directly providing finished weapons systems to Russia, it has instead supplied a wide range of dual-use components and manufacturing equipment that can be adapted for military purposes. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assess that these supplies have enabled Russia to expand and modernize its drone production, improving its ability to conduct long-range strikes against Ukrainian rear areas and near-rear positions. These capabilities have supported Russia’s battlefield air interdiction (BAI) efforts along the front line.

## China Indirect Support for Russia’s Weapons Production

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their own strike campaign against Russian military assets near the front line and in the Russian near rear on the night of January 27–28. The Ukrainian General Staff reported successful strikes on multiple targets, including manpower concentrations and a drone control point near Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast, approximately 23 kilometers from the front line. Additional strikes targeted manpower concentrations near Hryhorivka in Donetsk Oblast and an ammunition depot near Nyzhnya Duvanka in Luhansk Oblast.

Ukrainian forces also struck Russian assets closer to the front line, including manpower concentrations near Shakhove and Hulyaipole, a battalion command post near Berezove, and a manpower concentration in Kolotylivka, Belgorod Oblast, located west of Sumy City.

Ukraine began expanding its mid-range strike campaign in late December 2025, aiming to conduct its own form of battlefield air interdiction. This effort is intended to counter recent Russian advances and mirror the BAI campaign that helped Russian forces make gains in the fall of 2025.

China is indirectly supporting Russia’s weapons production by supplying large quantities of dual-use technology and advanced industrial equipment, according to a report published by The Telegraph on January 28. The report estimates that approximately $10.3 billion worth of Chinese-origin machinery and components have been transferred to Russia, strengthening its defence manufacturing capacity despite Western sanctions.

The report states that Russia is using Chinese computer numerical control (CNC) machines to manufacture Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the Votkinsk Plant in the Republic of Udmurtia. Similar Chinese-supplied equipment is also reportedly being used at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan to produce Shahed-type long-range drones, which have been widely deployed in the war against Ukraine.

In addition to industrial machinery, China is supplying components such as microchips, memory boards, ball bearings, telescopic sights, and piezoelectric crystals. While Beijing has avoided delivering finished weapons systems, analysts say these dual-use items play a crucial role in sustaining Russia’s defence industry.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the steady flow of Chinese equipment has enabled Russia to modernise and expand its drone and missile production, improving its ability to carry out long-range strikes and battlefield air interdiction against Ukrainian forces.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has expanded its own strike operations against Russian military targets. The Ukrainian General Staff reported successful attacks on drone control points, ammunition depots, and manpower concentrations in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Belgorod regions. These operations form part of Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and counter recent battlefield advances.

The developments highlight the growing complexity of the conflict, with global supply chains and geopolitical alignments playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the war’s trajectory.