A hacked Russian MoD call revealed China supplies 90% of Russia's drone electronics for the Ukraine war — despite Beijing's stated neutrality

China Told the World It Was Neutral. A Hacked Russian MoD Call Says It Supplies 90% of Their Drone Parts.

Since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Beijing has maintained a consistent public position: China is neutral. It supports neither side. It is available as a mediator. It does not supply weapons. The Kyiv Post published a report in April 2026 based on a hacked Russian Ministry of Defense phone call that describes a different arrangement.

The 90% Figure

According to the intercepted conversation, Chinese manufacturers supply approximately 90% of the electronic components used in Russian drones operating in Ukraine. That is not incidental commercial activity. At 90%, Chinese electronics are not present in Russia's drone program — they are Russia's drone program. The components in question include guidance systems, controllers, and communications hardware.

Beijing's Defense

China has consistently argued that its commercial exports are not weapons and that private Chinese companies selling electronics cannot be held to the same standard as government arms transfers. The 90% figure, if accurate, makes that distinction functionally meaningless. A drone without its Chinese electronics does not fly.

The Gap Between the Statement and the Record

China signed statements at the UN condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Chinese officials met with Zelensky. Beijing hosted peace talks. Meanwhile, per the hacked MoD call, the electronic supply chain that makes Russian strikes on that civilian infrastructure possible runs through China. Both things are happening simultaneously. Only one is publicly acknowledged.