A member of the Ukrainian army from an artillery unit throws an empty shell while firing at a Russian position on the outskirts of Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine on December 30, 2022.
Sameer Al-doumy | Afp | Getty Images
The U.S. believes China may be giving Russia non-lethal military aid for use in Ukraine, according to four U.S. officials, and the administration is concerned it is considering sending lethal aid.
While China has provided some aid to Russia, including parroting Russia’s disinformation campaign about the war, this more tangible aid is being used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
The official declined to elaborate on the non-lethal military aid, but said it could include equipment for a spring offensive like uniforms or body armor.
A spokesman for the National Security Council declined to comment.
US officials, including President Joe Biden and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, have warned China not to provide military aid to Russia or face consequences.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China’s Wang Yi are both at the Munich Security Conference today, but have not met today.
Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the Conference on Friday and said that China has grown closer to Russia since the war began.
It was unclear whether the support violated any sanctions, officials said, or if the U.S. would impose sanctions or fees on China for the support.