Bangkok – A quiet office on the 30th floor of a downtown Bangkok building has emerged as a key transit point for Chinese-made drones now appearing on the battlefields of Ukraine, circumventing Western sanctions against Russia. An analysis of trade data reveals a surge in drone exports from Thailand to Russia since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, mirroring a corresponding increase in Thailand’s drone imports from China. The complex route highlights the challenges of restricting Russia’s access to crucial dual-use technologies and raises questions about the extent of China’s role in supplying the conflict.
Russia imported $125 million worth of drones from Thailand in the first 11 months of 2025, representing 88% of Thailand’s total drone exports and an eightfold increase compared to the previous year, according to trade documents analyzed by Bloomberg. During the same period, China shipped $186 million worth of drones to Thailand, effectively accounting for nearly all of the country’s drone imports. This marks a dramatic shift from 2022, when Thailand exported less than $1 million worth of drones, with none destined for Russia.
A Network of Importers
At the center of this burgeoning trade is Skyhub Technologies, identified as Thailand’s second-largest importer of unmanned aerial vehicles from China. Despite a minimal physical presence – operating from a rented office space with limited staffing and no listed contact number – the company has grow a significant conduit for advanced drone technology. Another key importer, China Thai Corp., brought in $144 million worth of drones from China in the first 11 months of 2025.
China Thai Corp. Has faced scrutiny before. The company was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in October 2025 for allegedly supplying technology to the Russian army and is currently undergoing a name change to Lanto Global Logistics, Bloomberg reported. Skyhub Technologies imported $25 million worth of products in 2025, including drones manufactured by Autel Robotics, specifically hundreds of the EVO Max 4T model.
The EVO Max 4T: A Drone on Both Sides of the Conflict
The EVO Max 4T, a nominally civilian drone, has become a focal point due to its potential for military application. It’s capable of being used in combat situations, and notably, it has been actively promoted within Ukraine’s Army of Drones program by Mykhailo Fedorov, the country’s former Digital Transformation Minister and current Defense Minister, as reported by ZDigital. This creates a complex dynamic, with a drone intended for civilian use potentially ending up in the hands of both sides of the conflict.
Autel Robotics, the manufacturer of the EVO Max 4T, has denied any cooperation with the Russian military and maintains compliance with international sanctions. The company claims its drones are equipped with a “no-fly geofencing system” designed to prevent operation in conflict zones, according to statements provided to Bloomberg.
Sanctions Evasion and Third-Party Intermediaries
Experts in international security say the use of third-country intermediaries is a common tactic for evading sanctions. “The countries may change but the methods do not: Rerouting via third countries using shell companies,” explained Maria Shagina of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, as quoted by Bloomberg. The rise in shipments through Southeast Asia underscores the difficulty in effectively restricting Russia’s access to dual-use technologies – items with both civilian and military applications.
The situation is further complicated by deepening economic, political, and cultural ties between Thailand and Russia. Western officials have repeatedly accused China of providing aid to Russia’s war effort, allegations that Beijing consistently denies. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker recently stated at the Munich Security Conference that “China could call [President] Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow and cut off his dual-purpose technologies that they’re selling,” and that “China could stop buying Russian oil and gas,” asserting that China is “completely enabling” the war.
China’s Position and Humanitarian Aid
While maintaining its official stance of non-interference, China has reportedly offered humanitarian assistance to Ukraine amid Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, according to Fox News. However, the size and scope of this aid package have not been publicly disclosed. The situation presents a delicate balance for Beijing, navigating its relationship with both Russia and the international community.
The increasing flow of drones through Thailand represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the adaptability of supply chains and the challenges of enforcing sanctions in a globalized world. The reliance on third-party intermediaries, like Thailand, demonstrates a sophisticated effort to circumvent restrictions and maintain access to critical technologies.
Looking ahead, continued monitoring of trade routes and increased international cooperation will be crucial in addressing the flow of dual-use technologies to Russia. Further investigation into the operations of companies like Skyhub Technologies and China Thai Corp. May reveal additional details about the network facilitating these shipments. The international community will be watching closely for any indications of a shift in China’s policy regarding its exports to Russia.
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