China To Send War Aid To Russia: US Warns Europe

Biden Administration warns Europe amid the war.

Amidst the Russia-Ukrainian war, the United States has warned European allies that Russia asked China for armed drones in late February as it was beginning its invasion of Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.

According to the Biden Administration officials, they have warned Europe. China is being Russia's most powerful diplomatic partner. China is sending war aid to Russia amid the war, according to the people, who described the matter on condition of anonymity.

On Monday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and China's top diplomat, Communist Party Politburo member Yang Jiechi met for six hours in Rome to discuss a range of issues, including Ukraine. One U.S. official described the meeting as intense but declined to say whether the request for military aid came up, while Yang afterwards called on all sides to exercise restraint in the conflict.

American officials began disclosing Russia's bid for military and economic assistance. Asked about the drone request a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington on Monday night referred to an earlier statement from Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian. "The U.S. has been maliciously spreading disinformation targeting China," Zhao said. "We have been playing a constructive part in promoting peace talks."

The Biden administration has sought to persuade Beijing to use its influence with Moscow to help end a conflict that has entered its third week.

The president's top advisers have pressured China to enforce sanctions on Russia's economy imposed by the U.S. and its European and Asian allies.

A senior administration official acknowledged Monday that the administration has deep concerns about Russia's alignment with China.

Sullivan and other Biden administration officials have said that Russia's false claims that the United States and Ukraine may use chemical and biological weapons are an indication that Putin -- frustrated by slow progress with his invasion -- is preparing for such an attack.