Europe Struggles to Curb China's Support for Russia as Ukraine War Drags On

China has become a vital economic lifeline for Russia, providing energy purchases, critical minerals, and dual-use goods despite Western sanctions.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, European officials say China has steadily expanded economic, technological, and diplomatic cooperation with Moscow, providing a vital economic lifeline through energy purchases, critical minerals, and dual-use goods. While China has stopped short of direct military aid, its deepening relationship with Russia has made efforts by European governments to influence Beijing increasingly difficult.

Why it matters

The growing China-Russia partnership has significant implications for Europe's ability to pressure Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Despite diplomatic efforts and expanding sanctions, China's support has allowed Russia to continue the conflict, undermining Western efforts to isolate and weaken the Kremlin.

The details

China now accounts for more than 40% of Russia's oil exports and has become the main supplier of high-priority dual-use goods. The two countries have also sought to bypass Western sanctions by shifting trade into rubles and yuan. European leaders have been cautious about sweeping sanctions on Beijing due to the strong economic ties between the EU and China, which reached about $785 billion in 2024.

  • Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
  • China's support for Russia has deepened since the start of the war.
  • The EU is expected to announce its 20th sanctions package on February 24, 2026, the fourth anniversary of the invasion.

The players

China

A major economic and diplomatic partner of Russia, providing vital support through energy purchases, critical minerals, and dual-use goods despite Western sanctions.

Russia

The country that launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has now entered its fifth year.

European Union

A bloc of European countries that has imposed sanctions on Russia and sought to influence China's position on the war, but has been cautious about sweeping sanctions on Beijing due to strong economic ties.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“China doesn't expect any major consequences because there haven't really been any yet. China knows that Europe likely won't sanction it fully and aims to keep its support below a threshold that won't trigger a larger response.”

— Eva Seiwert, Senior Analyst, MERICS (RFE/RL)

“There simply hasn't been sufficient sanctions and technology export controls enforcement to match the stated policy goal of curbing Beijing's support of Moscow.”

— Benjamin Schmitt, Senior Fellow, University of Pennsylvania's Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and Perry World House (RFE/RL)

“Because of the flow of goods and technologies from China, Russia can continue this war for as long as necessary.”

— Artur Kharitonov, President, Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine (RFE/RL)

What’s next

The EU is expected to announce its 20th sanctions package on February 24, 2026, the fourth anniversary of the invasion, which is likely to include additional Chinese entities.

The takeaway

Europe's dilemma in dealing with China's support for Russia highlights the complex geopolitical and economic challenges facing the continent as the Ukraine war drags on. Despite diplomatic efforts and expanding sanctions, China's deepening ties with Russia have made it increasingly difficult for European governments to influence Beijing's position on the conflict.