Ukraine Alleges China Provides Satellite Imagery for Russian Strikes, Citing Foreign-Owned Targets

Ukrainian Intelligence Alleges Chinese Satellite Aid to Russia

Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) has formally accused China of providing Russia with satellite imagery, which is allegedly being used to identify and reconnoiter strategic targets for missile and drone strikes across Ukrainian territory. The accusation was made on October 4, 2025, by Oleh Aleksandrov, an official with the SZRU, in an interview with Ukrinform.

Aleksandrov stated there is 'evidence of a high level of cooperation between Russia and China in conducting satellite reconnaissance of Ukraine's territory to identify and reconnoiter strategic targets for destruction.' He further noted that some of the targets hit 'in recent months' may belong to foreign investors.

Targeting Foreign Investments and Previous Allegations

The Ukrainian official highlighted that the alleged Chinese satellite data has facilitated strikes on various sites, including those with foreign investment. A notable example cited is a U.S.-owned electronics factory in the western Zakarpattia region, which suffered a Russian missile strike in August, resulting in 15 injuries.

This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. In April 2024, the United States warned allies that China had increased its support for Russia, including providing geospatial intelligence for military purposes. Furthermore, in 2023, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on several Chinese firms for supplying satellite imagery of Ukrainian territory to the Russian private military company Wagner. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also claimed in September 2024 to have information indicating Russia received Chinese satellite imagery of Ukrainian nuclear power stations.

China's Response and Observed Satellite Activity

In response to the allegations, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it was 'unaware of the situation' and reiterated Beijing's 'objective and fair' stance on the conflict, advocating for de-escalation and peace talks. The ministry did not explicitly deny the claims. The Kremlin also dismissed the accusations, asserting that Russia possesses sufficient independent space and intelligence capabilities.

Adding to the concerns, Ukrainian media reported that during a significant Russian missile and drone barrage on October 5, 2025, at least three Chinese reconnaissance satellites from the Yaogan series (specifically Yaogan 33, 3303, and 3304) were observed passing over western Ukraine, the area that sustained heavy attacks. These satellites are widely believed to be military reconnaissance satellites.

Broader Context of Sino-Russian Cooperation

The accusations underscore the deepening strategic alignment between Moscow and Beijing. Beyond satellite imagery, previous reports from Ukrainian intelligence have indicated that China has been supplying Russia with:

• Specialized chemicals
• Gunpowder
• Industrial machinery for its defense sector
• Critical electronics, with approximately 80 percent of components in Russian drones originating from China as of early 2025.

President Zelenskyy has previously accused China of supplying weapons and even manufacturing arms on Russian territory. This alleged support has fueled international concern regarding China's role in prolonging the conflict and its implications for global stability.