Two years after the invasion of Ukraine, drones and U.S.-made computer chips are reportedly flowing from China to Russia through Central Asian trade routes, highlighting the challenge of restricting supplies to Moscow's war effort. Trade routes passing through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are being utilized for the transfer of dual-use goods, despite U.S. efforts to impose sanctions. Dual-use goods are those that can have both civilian and military applications. The Central Asian trade route is seen as a significant pathway for goods such as microelectronics, car parts, and luxury items, both for military use in Ukraine and personal consumption. The flow of these goods has increased since the war began, with Chinese exports of targeted dual-use goods rising to $1.3 billion in 2023. Despite sanctions, Russia managed to import $8.8 billion worth of dual-use goods from around the world in the first 10 months of 2023, only 10% lower than the pre-sanctions period. The trade reflects the challenges in restricting the movement of military supplies from China to Russia.

https://www.wsj.com/world/russias-backdoor-for-battlefield-goods-from-china-central-asia-bd88b546