China Considering Providing Lethal Aid to Russia in Conflict with Ukraine, CIA Director Confirms

CIA Director Bill Burns has confirmed that China is considering sending lethal aid to Russia in its war against Ukraine. According to three U.S. officials familiar with the matter, as well as a former U.S. official and a western official briefed on the matter, new intelligence suggests that China is considering sending artillery and ammunition to Russia.

Burns told CBS News in an exclusive interview that the Chinese leadership is considering the provision of lethal equipment. He also emphasized that China has not yet made the decision to transfer lethal aid to Russia.

The intelligence comes as Russia and Ukraine are in the midst of a conflict that has been ongoing since 2014. Earlier this month, Burns told students at Georgetown University that Chinese President Xi Jinping had been “very reluctant to provide the kind of lethal weapons to Russia to use in Ukraine that the Russians are very much interested in.”

In an effort to de-escalate the conflict, the United Nations Security Council recently passed a resolution calling for both countries to agree to a gradual de-escalation, keep nuclear facilities safe, establish humanitarian corridors and prevent attacks on civilian populations.

It remains to be seen whether China will decide to provide lethal aid to Russia in its war against Ukraine.