Kyyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has for the first time publicly accused China of directly aiding Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference, Zelenskyy claimed that China is supplying artillery and gunpowder to Russian forces and even producing weapons on Russian territory. He indicated more detailed intelligence would be shared in the coming week.
This revelation marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s stance toward Beijing, which has long maintained a position of neutrality regarding the conflict. Despite its close diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow, China has repeatedly denied any involvement in the war.
“We now have concrete information that China is providing weapons to Russia,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing reports of Chinese personnel engaged in weapons production within Russia.
So far, there has been no official reaction from Beijing or Moscow to the allegations. Just last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s claim of neutrality, stating, “China did not start the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to it. We continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution.”
Adding to the controversy, Zelenskyy recently disclosed that two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia had been captured by Ukrainian forces. He also reported that at least 155 Chinese citizens were fighting alongside Russian troops, allegedly recruited via social media platforms. Ukrainian intelligence is currently investigating whether these fighters are operating under official Chinese orders.
Zelenskyy’s remarks coincide with a diplomatic push in Paris, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are meeting European leaders to explore paths toward ending the war.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking in Washington D.C., announced that Zelenskyy is expected to finalize a key minerals agreement next Thursday. Trump, while distancing Zelenskyy from blame over the war, voiced criticism of the Ukrainian leader’s wartime performance.
“I’m not blaming Zelenskyy, but I wouldn’t say he’s handled things perfectly,” Trump commented. “I’m not a big fan.”
