Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of sending weapons to Russia during its war in Ukraine. Speaking at a press event in Kyiv, he said Ukrainian intelligence had tracked shipments of artillery and gunpowder from China. The claim raises serious concerns about China’s role in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine Says China Is Helping Russia Build Weapons
Zelenskyy explained that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and military intelligence had gathered new evidence. He said the data shows Chinese-made weapons being shipped to Russia. These weapons include gunpowder and artillery shells.
He also claimed that some Chinese companies are building weapons inside Russian territory. “Our investigation will soon reveal more details,” he said. Ukraine plans to share the findings with the world next week.
“We are ready to be fully transparent,” Zelenskyy added. “We will explain how the weapons moved and who was involved.”
China Claims Neutrality but Backs Russia
China has said it wants peace and takes no side in the war. Yet its actions tell a different story. Since early 2022, Beijing has stayed close to Moscow through trade and diplomacy.
China has bought more oil and gas from Russia. It has also blamed Western countries for adding to the conflict. Many experts now question China’s claim of neutrality.
Western countries have warned China not to help Russia in any way. Supplies that support the Russian army—directly or indirectly—could make the war last longer.
Global Response Grows
China has denied any arms transfers. But watchdog groups and intelligence experts are concerned. They point to “dual-use” items from China—things like drones, chips, and machines—that could work in both civil and military settings.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, “Even indirect help for Russia’s military is serious.” He asked all countries to follow international law and avoid actions that extend the war.
The European Union is also watching closely. Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, said the bloc may act if it confirms military help from China.
More Pressure on Beijing
Zelenskyy’s statement puts more pressure on China. While Beijing wants to act as a peace broker, Ukraine doubts its real motives.
“True neutrality means not helping the aggressor,” said Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister. He said peace talks only work if all parties respect sovereignty and stop backing war.
Ukraine’s government says it welcomes any honest peace effort. But Kuleba warned that help for Russia—even if hidden—will harm those efforts.
Ukraine plans to present its findings to global leaders and institutions. These include the United Nations and international courts. The country also wants to increase global oversight of arms shipments.
“We ask the world to look into these facts,” Zelenskyy said. “We want peace, but we can’t get there if weapons keep flowing into Russia.”
The investigation continues, with Ukraine promising full transparency. Experts say more global cooperation will be needed to confirm the data and respond.