Kremlin snuff box, 04/12/24
https://t.me/s/kremlin_secrets
Russia’s ally could be in serious trouble
Israel is probably preparing a serious operation against Iran. This information was provided by sources in the SVR.
“The situation in the Middle East is heating up,” the source commented.
Perhaps there will be a massive blow to the decision-making centers in Tehran. Our military and diplomatic representatives have received special advice due to the escalation in the region.
The interlocutors hint that Iran’s involvement in a full-fledged war could affect military-technical cooperation with Russia. In particular, the supply of missiles and drones may decrease.
Kyiv Independent reports:
Reuters: US officials say China aids Russia’s massive military expansion
“China is aiding Russia’s war machine in Ukraine by providing machine tools, weapons technology, and satellite imagery, Reuters reported on April 12, citing U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
China officially declares itself a neutral party to Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, but Washington has continued to sound the alarm on Beijing’s support of Moscow’s defense-industrial expansion efforts.
According to one official, supplies from China are helping Russia launch its “most ambitious defense expansion since the Soviet era and on a faster timeline than we believed possible early on in this conflict.”
Officials said that Russia uses machine tool shipments from China to bolster its production of ballistic missiles, and that Chinese microelectronics are used in the production of Russian missiles, tanks, and aircraft.
The officials said that 90% of Russia’s microelectronics imports in 2023 came from China.
Chinese businesses such as iRay Technology and the North China Research Institute of Electro-Optics also supply Russia with military optics for tanks and armored vehicles, they said.
China also provides Russia with drone engines and officials said that Chinese and Russian firms are working together to manufacture drones within Russia.
Along with these supplies, Chinese businesses may also be furnishing Russia with nitrocellulose, used to make propellants for weapons. The officials also told reporters that U.S. intelligence indicates that Chinia is providing satellite imagery to Russia for use in Ukraine.
“Our view is that one of the most game-changing moves available to us at this time to support Ukraine is to persuade the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to stop helping Russia reconstitute its military industrial base,” one official said.
“Russia would struggle to sustain its war effort without PRC input.””