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

​Intelligence officer and former MI6 chief Richard Moore​ has credited China for Russia’s continued military operations and resistance in the four-year Ukraine war.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Moore observed many appear to be oblivious to Beijing’s support for Moscow in their analysis of the combat.

The ​diplomat said the focus of Russia’s external assistance and headlines ha​s been about the Iranian shahed drones and troops sent 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 Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service head listed such aid as Chinese chemicals and components that go into Russia’s artillery and drones.

More, now a senior advisor in the private sector, insists “the most urgent issue is Ukraine,” if the international community intends to push back against China and Russia​.

He, however, highlighted the dominance of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Ukrainian conflict, saying 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.