Chinese authorities asked Russian officials in early February to delay sending soldiers into Ukraine until the Winter Olympics in Beijing was completed, according to a report.

According to the New York Times, a Western intelligence service gathered the material before the invasion, and the U.S. thinks it plausible. According to reports, China was aware of Russia's preparations.

According to reports, the U.S. and its partners utilized the information to forecast when Russia could invade.

The Olympics concluded on February 20, and on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent soldiers into Ukraine.

According to a representative for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., "These claims are speculation without any basis, and are intended to blame-shift and smear China."

Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia met on February 4, although it is unclear whether they discussed the date of the invasion.

China, a Russian ally, has refrained from condemning Putin over the war, though it has not shown open support for him.

According to the Times, the country backed Russia for its fears about NATO but has professed neutrality on the invasion and has stated its support for all countries' "sovereignty."