NEW Chinese regulations barring drone exports for military use could affect both sides of the Ukraine war.

Ukraine is losing around 10,000 drones a month and is having problems with supplies, according to a think tank. 

Britain’s Royal United Services Institute says Chinese moves to restrict exports of commercial drones are having a major impact on both the Ukrainians and Russians being able to replenish their stocks of the weapons.

Many of the weapons being used are made in China and sold commercially.

The restrictions by the Chinese government mean producers of commercial drones equipment are now required to apply for export licences and provide end-user certificates, and the government in Beijing says they must not be used for military purposes.

Ukrainian sources say the supply of drone parts has been affected and they fear the situation could worsen as their losses mount up.

Lyuba Shypovych, who heads Dignitas, one of the largest Ukrainian volunteer groups supplying the military with drones, said: “The only change for now is that we’re more actively buying whatever stock is left in European warehouses.

“But what we’ll be doing in the future is unclear.”