Last: Russia is facing Ukraine, demanding military equipment from China

Russia has asked China for military equipment to support its invasion in Ukraine, according to US officials, causing concern at the White House that Beijing could undermine Western efforts to help Ukrainian forces protect their country.

US officials told the Financial Times that Russia had sought military equipment and other aid since the beginning of the occupation. They refused to give details about the material Russia had requested.

Another person familiar with the situation said the US was preparing to warn allies of the situation amid some indicators that China could be prepared to help Russia. Other American officials have also said there were signs that Russia is running out of some kind of armaments as the war in Ukraine approaches the third week.

The White House did not comment. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for a comment, reports FT, The Express.

The discovery comes as Jake Sullivan, US national security adviser, heads to Rome for talks Monday with Yang Yechi, China's top foreign policy official. People familiar with the situation said Sullivan would strongly warn China that any efforts to help Russia prosecute the invasion or avoid Western sanctions would have consequences.

Before leaving Washington on Sunday, Sullivan warned China not to try to “store” Russia helping Moscow bypass sanctions that the US and its allies have imposed on Putin and his regime.