 "Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskyy claims Kyiv has proof of China supplying Moscow with artillery")
Kyiv possesses intelligence that proves that China is supplying artillery and gunpowder to Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday (April 17).
“We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia,” he said during a press conference in Kyiv. Zelenskyy did not clarify if he was referring to artillery systems or shells.
This allegation could further strain relations between Kyiv and Beijing, already tense due to Ukraine’s recent disclosure of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. China has attempted to maintain a stance of neutrality in the ongoing three-year conflict sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine has previously urged China to leverage its influence over Russia to advocate for peace.
“We already have facts about this work by China and Russia to strengthen their defense capabilities,” Zelenskyy expressed, noting his disappointment as he recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping’s assurance that Beijing would not sell or supply weapons to Moscow.
Chinese soldiers detained in Ukraine
Zelenskyy’s comments come just days after Ukraine brought out two Chinese soldiers captured while fighting for Russia in front of the media.
Both men confirmed that they were under the command of Russian officers, who communicated with them using gestures due to the language barrier.
Before that, Zelenskyy had claimed that at least 155 Chinese citizens were fighting on Russia’s side. Kyiv made the assertion before the press conference, but after capturing the two men— the first public evidence suggesting that Chinese nationals may be taking part in the war.
While China has consistently maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, its growing ties with Russia have drawn increasing scrutiny from Western governments. The presence of Chinese nationals on the battlefield— even in unofficial capacities— may complicate Beijing’s efforts to portray itself as an impartial actor in the war.
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