 China sharply increases sales of technologies to Russia to help its war effort in Ukraine. US data shows that China has sharply increased its sales of machine tools to Russia, as well as microelectronics and other technologies that Moscow uses to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft, and other weapons for its war against Ukraine reports associated press. The sources of the media outlets reported that Russia received about 90% of its microelectronics imports from China in 2023. In addition, almost 70% of Russian imports of machine tools worth about $900 million in the last quarter of 2023 were also of Chinese origin. Furthermore, Chinese and Russian companies are working on joint production of drones in Russia, and Chinese companies are likely to provide Russia with nitro-cellulose needed to make rocket fuel. China-based companies Wuhan Global Sensor Technology Company, Wuhan Tongsheng Technology Company Limited, and HIPVision are providing optical components for use in Russian tanks and armored vehicles. The officials said Russia has received military optics for use in tanks and armored vehicles manufactured by Chinese firms, IRA Technology and North China Research Institute of Electrooptics, and China has been providing Russia with UAV engines and turbojet engines for cruise missiles. According to data from the Russian Customs Analyzed by the Free Russia Foundation, Russian semiconductor imports from China surged from $200 million in 2021 to over $500 million in 2022. Beijing is also working with Russia to enhance its satellite and other space-based capabilities for use in Ukraine. This, according to officials, could increase the long-term threat Russia poses to Europe. Officials citing intelligence stated that the US has also identified China providing Russia with satellite imagery for its war against Ukraine. US officials discussed the findings as Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit China this month for talks. In October 2023, the US Department of Defense stated that China supplies weapons to Russia, including drones, small arms and equipment. A rocket attack has been launched on Ukraine's occupied city of Luhansk, local telegram channels reported. An explosion occurred on the territory of the machine building plant where the armored vehicles of the occupying Russian army were stationed as a result of the strike from storm shadow slash scalp missiles provided as a military aid from the United Kingdom. One of the rockets reportedly landed in the area of the bus station. Overall, the city was hit by three missiles. There have been no reports about casualties and the destroyed military equipment.