Claims that Russia and China planned to disrupt the Starlink satellite system used by Ukraine’s military suggests reinforces the idea that Beijing is Moscow’s “‘strategic enabler” in the conflict, an expert says. Marcin Zaborowski, TVP World’s Europe editor, told the News in Depth program that recently leaked documents point to structured collaboration between the two countries on different types of warfare, with potentially serious consequences for Ukraine and Western security. The leaks, reported by outlets including The Insider, Der Spiegel and Le Monde, suggested the two powers have worked together on satellite warfare, missile defense and drone swarms, among other areas. Cooperation reportedly began with meetings in 2023 and included discussions on ways to disrupt or destroy Starlink, tycoon Elon Musk’s satellite internet system. Starlink has become vital for Ukraine’s battlefield communications, drone operations and air-defense coordination. Zaborowski said the documents matter because they go beyond circumstantial evidence. They suggest “quite clearly that Russia and China have cooperated on taking down the Starlink system on which the security of Ukraine troops depend.” China as Russia’s enabler According to Zaborowski, Russia provides China with battlefield data from Ukraine, while Beijing processes that information and supplies dual-use technology, including components that can be used in drones. China denies directly supporting Russia’s war effort and continues to call for de-escalation. But Zaborowski said Beijing is widely viewed by analysts as Russia’s “strategic enabler.” “Without the cooperation of China, Russia at this point in time wouldn't be able to wage the war that it is waging,” he said. Zaborowski added that the West must reduce its economic dependence on China and develop “strategic autonomy” in its relations with Beijing.
