Bloomberg: Chinese drones reach Russia via Thailand amid sanctions

Russia is receiving Chinese-made drones through transit in Thailand, according to Bloomberg.

Trade records show that in the first 11 months of 2025, Russia imported $125 million worth of drones from Thailand—nearly eight times the amount from the previous year. Most of these drones originated in China, totaling $186 million.

Due to multiple rounds of international sanctions over its war in Ukraine, Russia relies on China and Hong Kong for most restricted goods—typically dual-use items—while EU and US sanctions reports indicate Moscow is using transhipment routes to bypass European restrictions.

Officially, neither China nor Thai companies confirm supplying military equipment to Russia, but trade data and similarities in drone models raise serious doubts.

Meanwhile, Thai customs officials state that drone trade complies with the law and that the final destination does not need to be declared when importing from China.

Phantong Loykulnanta, director general of Thailand’s customs department, said exports of Chinese drones from Thailand are within the legal framework.

The case illustrates how global supply chains rapidly adapt to sanctions, altering routes and partners while continuing to deliver strategic technologies, according to the experts.

Key intermediaries include lesser-known Thai firms such as Skyhub Technologies and China Thai Corp. 

Skyhub Technologies, a car rental company, imported Autel EVO Max 4T drones, intended for civilian use but reportedly deployed in combat operations in Ukraine. China Thai Corp., an electronics and components supplier to Russia, is under UK sanctions for assisting the Russian armed forces.

By Jeyhun Aghazada