According to documents reviewed by Reuters and information from European security officials, Chinese-made engines are being shipped to Russia labeled as “industrial cooling units” to bypass Western sanctions. They are being delivered to the state-owned Russian company IEMZ Kupol and installed on Garpiya-A1 attack drones used in strikes on Ukrainian territory.
Sanctions proving ineffective
The Garpiya-A1 is a long-range attack drone used against military and civilian targets in Ukraine. An internal document seen by Reuters shows that Kupol signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to produce over 6,000 drones in 2025. By April, more than 1,500 had already been delivered.
Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed that Russia is using an average of 500 such drones per month.
Chinese companies providing covert support
Kupol previously used L550E engines manufactured by Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co., which was sanctioned by the EU and US in October 2024. After that, a new Chinese firm, Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade, began supplying the drone engines.
Diplomatic tensions growing
China’s foreign ministry stated it was unaware of the shipments and emphasized that all dual-use exports are controlled under Chinese law and international obligations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is traveling to China tomorrow to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The meeting is expected to address concerns about China’s technological support for Russia.
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