Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of supplying artillery and gunpowder to Russia, raising tensions between Kyiv and Beijing amid the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that his country possesses intelligence indicating China is supplying artillery and gunpowder to Russia. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy suggested that Chinese representatives might also be involved in producing certain weapons within Russian territory, though he did not specify whether these included artillery systems or ammunition.
The accusation adds further strain to the already delicate relationship between Ukraine and China. Earlier, Kyiv made public the capture of Chinese nationals allegedly fighting for Russian forces. Despite this, China has consistently attempted to project a neutral stance throughout the three-year conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged Beijing to leverage its influence over Moscow in pursuit of a peaceful resolution. The latest claims are likely to complicate diplomatic ties between the two nations further.
Additionally, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the United States might finalise a memorandum of intent on Thursday concerning an ongoing minerals agreement. This deal, reportedly championed by President Donald Trump, would see the United States share in the profits generated from Ukraine’s natural resources and critical minerals, framed as a form of repayment for American military support.
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