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China is providing Russia with new technologies for military drones, including systems that could allow drones to enter buildings and attack people inside, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
“China is transferring new technologies for drones to Russia. One example is a drone that can fly through a window, hover inside and attack when people enter the room,” Zelenskyy said.
He also claimed that China was close to developing satellite communications technology similar to Starlink that could eventually be provided to Russia.
“They have already started doing this and acting very precisely — carrying out very precise strikes on Ukrainian territory,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy has previously accused China of abandoning neutrality in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Beijing has denied providing lethal weapons to either side and has repeatedly described its position as neutral.
Reports of Chinese support for Russian drones
The Ukrainian president’s comments come amid reports of Chinese companies supplying Russia with materials and technology used in its drone industry.
Politico previously reported that Chinese state-owned Jilin Chemical Fiber Group had secretly supplied Russia with chemical materials used in the production of attack drones. Other reports have also described Chinese companies providing drones and related equipment to Russia.
Reuters reported in late 2025 that documents indicated Chinese companies had supplied drones to Russia, while Chinese engineers were involved in testing military drones.
The specific claims made by Zelenskyy about drones capable of entering buildings and satellite communications technology similar to Starlink have not been independently verified.
Russia has increasingly relied on drones in its attacks against Ukraine, including more advanced and faster variants. Reuters reported in September that Russia’s use of jet-powered Shahed drones had increased significantly, putting additional pressure on Ukrainian air defenses.
Ukraine is also developing new counter-drone technologies and has sought international cooperation on systems designed to detect and intercept Russian drones.
