China is increasingly blocking the supply of electronic components needed to produce Ukrainian drones. Beijing is imposing strict export restrictions, including making transit through the Baltic states and Poland impossible, fearing that the products will still end up in Ukraine.
According to ntv.de, this policy significantly complicates the work of the Ukrainian defense industry, which is largely dependent on Chinese components - engines, batteries, flight controllers. These parts are key to the production of UAVs, which have become one of the most effective defense links in the war with Russia.
Bundeswehr military analyst Hendrik Remmel believes that it is Ukrainian drone strikes deep behind enemy lines that are creating serious psychological, economic, and political pressure on Russia. According to him, the strategy of long-range strikes is gradually showing success.
Yuriy Lomikovskiy, co-founder of the Iron defense company network, notes that the Ukrainian defense technology market is estimated at 35–40 billion US dollars, but domestic production currently covers only about 40% of needs. The rest depends on imports, primarily Chinese.
“China can supply large volumes quickly and cheaply,” explains Lomikovsky. “Therefore, Ukrainian companies are forced to focus on this market, even despite the political risks.”
According to him, Ukraine is currently looking for alternative ways - through partners in Europe and the US, which have their own production facilities. However, without large-scale investments and support from the EU, it will be difficult to create a competitive production base.
Late last year, China also cut component sales to the United States and Europe, part of a broader trade standoff between Beijing and Washington that has had an indirect impact on Ukraine. The West, in turn, has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies that are suspected of helping Russia circumvent restrictions.
Despite China's claims of neutrality, the EU believes it continues to supply components to the Russian defense sector. Chinese-made components have been repeatedly found in Russian drones and other equipment.
Lomikowski does not rule out that Beijing will continue to supply components to both sides of the war. “China is adapting quickly and making a profit by supplying parts for everyone,” he concluded.
Experts are calling on the European Union to accelerate the creation of joint production facilities with Ukraine, as delay could be costly in the event of an escalation of war or a threat to NATO countries.
