Russia and Ukraine are actively competing for the same Chinese components for drones, which play a crucial role in the ongoing conflict. This is reported by the Financial Times.
The founder of the Ukrainian company TAF Industries, Alexander Yakovenko, told the publication that Chinese suppliers are trying to organize schedules for Ukrainian and Russian clients in such a way as to minimize their overlaps at production facilities. Visits are coordinated down to the minute: one group enters through service entrances immediately after another group leaves the factory.
According to Yakovenko, Chinese companies are doing everything possible to maintain business relations with both Kyiv and Moscow, taking into account the interests of both sides. This leads to drone manufacturers in both countries relying on the same suppliers of cameras, batteries, and other vital components from China.
The Financial Times also emphasizes that drones have become the fastest-growing and key type of weaponry in this conflict, accounting for up to 75% of recent losses. However, some experts suspect that Beijing may secretly prefer Russian clients.
