The Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing a shortage of spare parts for drones due to new restrictions imposed by China – The New York Times

Ukrainian military is facing a shortage of drone components due to China, giving an advantage to the Russians on the battlefield.

This information has been reported by The New York Times.

“Chinese suppliers reduced their sales on September 1 when new rules limiting the export of drone components came into effect,” the article states.

Nevertheless, Ukrainian volunteers are exploring “every possible way to export drones from China” as it is the world’s largest manufacturer of drones. However, Chinese companies now require buyers from Ukraine to use a complex network of intermediaries, similar to what Russia used, to bypass Western export controls.

“These obstacles increase Russia’s advantage,” writes the NYT.

According to customs data, direct shipments of Chinese drones to Ukraine from January to June amounted to just over $200,000 equivalent. During the same period, Moscow purchased similar drones for $14.5 million. Therefore, Kiev has to resort to increasingly sophisticated methods of circumventing supplies, including smuggling, according to the publication.