Russia Continues Acquiring Western Parts for Weapons Despite Sanctions, 60% Sourced Through China

Russia continues acquiring Western components despite imposed sanctions. Around 60% of the foreign components found in Russian weapons and used on the Ukrainian battlefield are sourced through China.

This was stated on September 24 by Ukrainian presidential adviser, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, in a commentary to Reuters.

"If you take all the usual types of weapons and count the foreign made components – about 60% would be coming from China. We have had lengthy discussions with some manufacturers about this," said Vlasiuk.

He highlighted that critical components used in surveillance systems, drones, and missiles have originated from countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, Ireland, and Switzerland, among others.

According to documents presented to reporters by Vlasiuk, some products were manufactured over a decade ago, while others were produced as recently as last year. 

Vlasiuk stated that the EU could take stronger action to halt the flow of Western products, including implementing measures against Russia's nuclear firm, Rosatom.

"Rosatom...we believe it [Russia] has been using its [Rosatom's] networks to supply the Russian army," he said. European capitals have been reluctant to take any action owing to Russia's dominance in nuclear plant supplies.

Vlasiuk suggested that the EU could further target Russia's logistics infrastructure, including airports, seaports, and financial institutions that facilitate these transactions. He also praised a recent US sanctions package on IT, noting its effectiveness since coming into force earlier this month.

A recent investigation by UNITED24 Media has confirmed that Russia's weapon production depends on technologies sourced from Ukraine's allies, which are still being supplied to Russia despite existing bans.