U.S. officials have reported that China is considering sending lethal military aid to Russia, which could be a crucial boost for the Kremlin's hopes of battlefield success in the coming months. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has stated that the suspension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is due to the U.S.'s "hostile course towards Russia". Analysts suggest that the ammunition and artillery from China could be a crucial factor in the conflict, though it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give the Kremlin the desired outcome.