Russia has requested economic and military help from China. Multiple media outlets are reporting that US officials have said Moscow has asked Beijing for help in evading economic sanctions and for military assistance, including the use of drones.
The nature of China's response to Russia is currently unknown and China's embassy in Washington has told reporters that it has not heard about such a request. However, sources indicate that the Chinese have responded.
The development comes as the US and China are sending top aides to Rome for discussions. Speaking in advance of the talks, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan bluntly warned China to avoid helping Russia evade punishment from global sanctions that have hammered the Russian economy.
