China rejects Zelenskyy's claim of arms supply in Ukraine war

China on Friday rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s claim that Beijing is supplying lethal weapons on the battlefield.

“The Chinese side has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the conflict, and strictly controls dual-use items,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine has “intelligence” proving that China is giving artillery and gunpowder to Russia, without giving any details and saying that Kyiv is “ready” to discuss the matter with Beijing.

Meanwhile, Beijing has said that its “position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear”.

“We have always actively made efforts for a cessation of hostilities and peace talks,” Lin said.

China has portrayed itself as a neutral party in the three-year war, despite criticism from Western governments that its close ties to Russia have given Moscow crucial economic and diplomatic support.

Ukraine detains Chinese soldiers

Zelenskyy’s comments come just days after Ukraine showcased two Chinese soldiers captured while fighting for Russia. Both men confirmed that Russian officers commanded them, communicating through gestures due to the language barrier.

Previously, Zelenskyy claimed that at least 155 Chinese citizens were fighting on Russia’s side. Kyiv made this assertion before capturing the two soldiers, which provided the first public evidence suggesting Chinese nationals may be involved in the war.

Kyiv signs Memorandum of Intent with US

Kyiv and Washington had been close to signing a mineral deal until the February clash between Trump and Zelensky temporarily derailed work on the agreement.

“We have a minerals deal which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday… next Thursday. Soon. And I assume they’re going to live up to the deal. So we’ll see. But we have a deal on that,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Kyiv’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a post on X that Ukraine has signed a “Memorandum of Intent” with Washington on a planned “Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.”

“There is a lot to do, but the current pace and significant progress give reason to expect that the document will be very beneficial for both countries,” she added.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told AFP that a deal is targeted for April 26.

With inputs from agencies