Zelenski accuses China of providing weapons to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski on Thursday accused China of providing weapons to Russia and participates in the production of armament on the Russian territory.

« We have finally received information that China provides weapons to Russia (…) We believe that Chinese representatives are involved in the production of certain weapons on the territory of Russia, » he said in a press conference, without detailing the accusations. He referred only to « powder for cannons and artillery », but promised he would say more next week.

Ukraine announced last week that it had taken two Chinese citizens fighting in the Russian army.

Zelenski has already accused China of being involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which Beijing denies as « unfounded ». The president gave assurances that « several hundred » of Chinese citizens are enrolled in the Russian army.

China presents itself as a neutral and as a possible mediator between the two countries in conflict, but remains politically and economically allied with Russia, for which they play a key role described by Westerners as « decisive support » for Russian aggression. In particular, it is assistance to bypass Western sanctions against Moscow, which allows the purchase of technological components necessary for weapons production.

So far, Zelenski had not accused China of directly providing armament to the Russians.