Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that China is supplying weapons to Russia, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Kyiv and Beijing amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The claim comes amid increasing scrutiny over Beijing’s role in the conflict and its growing ties with Moscow.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelensky stated that Ukrainian intelligence has confirmed the presence of Chinese support in Russia’s ongoing invasion. “We have finally received information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation,” Zelensky said. “We are aware of at least 155 Chinese nationals currently deployed to assist Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.”
While Zelensky did not specify what types of weapons or equipment were allegedly being transferred, his remarks represent the most direct accusation yet by Kyiv against Beijing regarding military support for Russia.
The claim comes as the Ukrainian government has grown increasingly critical of China’s alignment with Moscow, particularly as Western nations have imposed heavy sanctions on Russia and ramped up military and financial support for Ukraine.
Zelensky’s comments raise fresh concerns among Ukraine’s Western allies, who have previously warned Beijing against providing lethal aid to Russia. The United States and European Union have repeatedly stated that any confirmed transfer of arms from China to Russia would trigger serious diplomatic and economic consequences.
China has maintained that it is a neutral party in the conflict, consistently calling for peace talks while deepening its trade and diplomatic ties with Russia. The Chinese government has yet to publicly respond to Zelensky’s allegations, but has in the past denied any military involvement or weapons transfers to either side in the war.
Tensions between Ukraine and China have been steadily increasing since the outbreak of the war in 2022. China has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion and abstained from key United Nations votes related to the conflict. Beijing has also proposed a vague 12-point peace plan, which Ukraine has rejected, arguing it fails to address core issues, including Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky’s revelation is likely to further strain China’s already delicate relationships with the West. NATO officials and U.S. lawmakers have previously warned of the geopolitical consequences should Beijing cross the line from economic to military support of Moscow.
Analysts say the accusation could complicate China’s efforts to maintain an image of neutrality while positioning itself as a global mediator. It also increases pressure on Western allies to monitor and respond to potential military cooperation between China and Russia.
As of Monday morning, neither the Chinese Foreign Ministry nor the Kremlin had issued official responses to Zelensky’s claims. The Ukrainian leader said further details from intelligence reports would be shared with international partners in the coming days.
