According to Reuters news agency and European security officials, engines manufactured in China are being sent to Russia under the name "industrial coolers" to bypass Western sanctions. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
These engines are delivered to Russia's state-owned IEMZ Kupol company and are being installed on Garpiya-A1 drones used to attack Ukrainian territory. The Garpiya-A1 is a long-range attack drone that is actively used to strike military and civilian targets in Ukraine.
According to internal documents seen by Reuters, Kupol has signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to produce over 6,000 drones throughout 2025. By April, more than 1,500 drones had already been delivered.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, an average of about 500 drones are actively used each month. Previously, Kupol used L550E engines manufactured by Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co.
This company was sanctioned by the European Union and the United States in October 2024.
After that, a new Chinese firm – Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade – began supplying drone engines. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is not aware of this situation and emphasized that all dual-use product exports are controlled in accordance with Chinese laws and international obligations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to China tomorrow to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang. Concerns regarding Beijing's technological assistance to Russia are expected to be discussed during the meeting.
This situation could escalate tensions in international diplomatic relations.
