Russia would have lost Ukraine war without China – Ex-MI6 chief

Intelligence officer and former MI6 chief Richard Moore has credited China with sustaining Russia’s military operations and resilience in the four‑year war in Ukraine.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Moore noted that many analysts seem unaware of Beijing’s backing of Moscow in their coverage of the fighting.

The former diplomat said that the focus of Russia’s external assistance and the headlines have largely centered on Iranian Shahed drones and troops dispatched by North Korea.

“Without China, Russia would have lost. It’s as simple as that,” Moore emphasized. “The thing that keeps Putin in Ukraine is Chinese support.”

The former head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service listed Chinese chemicals and components that are used in Russia’s artillery and drones as part of that assistance.

Now a senior advisor in the private sector, he insists that “the most urgent issue is Ukraine” if the international community wants to counter China and Russia.

He also highlighted the dominance of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Ukrainian conflict, stating that 80‑90 % of battlefield casualties are caused by drones.

Moore led MI6 from 2020 until he stepped down in September 2025. He was succeeded by Blaise Metrewel, the first female head of the agency in its history.