Although the request was for military equipment and military aid, it is not known what Moscow specifically requested.
CBS News was informed Monday by a U.S. official that while the Kremlin's request for financial assistance to Beijing is primarily about financial aid, Russia also wanted information on drones. According to the U.S. official, they did not anticipate that either Russia or Ukraine would use drones in this conflict. This is why they are asking China for information about them.
A senior defense official said that the Ukrainians have been using drones, particularly Turkish-made TB2 drones. This was evident in a background briefing Monday. These drones can be used for reconnaissance and strikes, and they have proven particularly effective against Russian ground movements.
According to an official, the Ukrainians still possess a substantial amount of their drone inventory. The U.S. is currently in discussions with allies and partners that have useful capabilities, which the U.S. doesn't have, about supplying more weapons to the Ukrainians.
According to intelligence and defense officials, Russia is still far behind the progress that Russian leaders expected three weeks after its invasion of Ukraine. Last week, William Burns, Director of the CIA, told Congress that Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to "seize Kyiv in the first two days" of the campaign.
According to U.S. officials, Russia has suffered between 5,000 and 9,000 casualties in military action.
The Kremlin has now committed 100 percent of more than 150,000 troops that it pre-arraigned around Ukraine's borders before its invasion. Despite these high numbers, Russia's advance on Kyiv has been slow and steady from three different directions. The troops are still stalled and can be used as targets by the Ukrainians for the next few days.
Russia may have asked for China's assistance because of its slow progress.
According to the Pentagon's Chinese Military Power Report, China has purchased fighter jets from Russia and surface-to air missiles. It also participated in training exercises with Russian equipment in Russia.
China denied Russia asking for military assistance for the Ukraine war.
In response to the report, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said Monday that "the U.S. has been maliciously spread disinformation targeting China." "China's position regarding the Ukraine issue has been consistent and clearly stated. We have played a constructive role in the promotion of peace talks."
Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesperson, also denied the report. He told reporters that Moscow has the potential to conduct a special military operation in Ukraine on its own and didn't ask China for assistance.
Peskov answered reporters "No" when they asked him if Russia had requested military assistance from China. He stated that Russia has the independent capability to continue the operation and, as we have said, it is progressing according to plan and will be complete on time and in its entirety.
Jake Sullivan, national security advisor, traveled to Rome Monday to meet with Yang Jiechi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission and Member of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo. The National Security Council described the meeting as part of ongoing efforts in maintaining open lines of communication between countries.
Reporters were told by a senior administration official that the meeting between Sullivan's and the Chinese diplomats was "a intense, seven-hour session."
Although no details were provided, the official stated that Sullivan expressed deep concern about China's alliance with Russia at the moment and was open about the possible consequences.
Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, stated Monday that Russia's military and other assistance would have serious consequences. The U.S. would coordinate its actions with its allies and partners.
"I believe what we have and the message that was relayed by the national defense adviser at this meeting is that if they provide military or any other assistance that ofcourse violates sanctions or supports war effort, there will be severe consequences," Psaki stated.
