Chinese-made engines are being covertly shipped via front companies to a state-owned drone manufacturer in Russia, labelled as "industrial refrigeration units" to avoid detection in the wake of Western sanctions,

Russia has deployed its first weapon made entirely of Chinese parts into the Ukrainian airspace in a bid to spook Kiev's air defences.

Russia and Ukraine again exchanged a series of major overnight drone strikes as the two sides maneuvered ahead of a possible resumption of ceasefire talks.

A Russian factory, described by its director as the world's biggest maker of strike drones, has been shown on the Russian army's TV channel with teenagers helping make kamikaze drones to attack Ukraine.

Moscow has been steadily shifting from cruise missile attacks to mass drone assaults. On the night of July 9, Russia launched a record 728 drones in a single wave, including Shahed kamikaze drones and decoys.

Ukraine's Brave1 hopes all of its infantry will eventually carry its new anti-drone rifle rounds, designed to fire from NATO-issued rifles.

The US and Ukraine are discussing a “mega deal” for Washington to purchase battle-tested drones from eastern Europe in exchange for American heavy weaponry.