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A top UK official has accused China of supplying lethal aid to Russia for its war against Ukraine.

British Defence Minister Grant Shapps revealed on Wednesday that there is evidence suggesting China is either providing or preparing to provide Russia with lethal assistance. The assertion marks the first time Britain has openly accused China of such actions. According to Shapps, intelligence from both US and British defense sources indicates that lethal aid is, or will soon be, flowing from China to Russia and subsequently into Ukraine.

Shapps also noted the significant increase in trade between China and Russia since the onset of the Ukraine war, citing a 64% growth. He expressed concern that China, which once attempted to position itself as a neutral or moderating force, is now backing Russia more directly. Shapps said, “We should be concerned about that because in the earlier days of this war China would like to present itself as a moderating influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin.”

Despite these claims, Shapps did not present direct evidence to substantiate his allegations. The Chinese embassy in London has yet to respond to these remarks. 

Shapps also pointed to recent developments in the relationship between Russia and China, particularly after Putin’s visit to China earlier this month, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged a “new era” of partnership. 

This comes as senior US officials have previously noted that China has been providing Russia with drone and missile technology, satellite imagery, and machine tools. In response, the Chinese embassy in the US has maintained that Beijing has not supplied weaponry to Russia, emphasizing that China is “not a producer of or party involved in the Ukraine crisis.”