Zelenskyy Alleges Chinese Weapons Support for Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Thursday that China is supplying weapons to Russia, including gunpowder and artillery, and that Chinese representatives are involved in weapons production within Russian territory. These assertions are based on reports from Ukrainian security and intelligence agencies. Zelenskyy expressed his readiness to discuss these claims in detail and indicated that Ukraine plans to present supportive documentation next week.
Zelenskyy stated, "We have finally received information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation. We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on Russian territory. We see the cooperation between these two countries in this area and we must acknowledge it is happening." While the Associated Press could not independently verify Zelenskyy's assertions, it is worth noting that Beijing has consistently denied accusations of arming Russia against Ukraine.
In his remarks, Zelenskyy observed a shift in Russia's military strategy. He noted that while Russia has decreased the frequency of strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, it has intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure. During a press conference in Kyiv, he said, "In total, Russia was launching the same number of missiles and drones at Ukraine as before. They reduced their strikes on energy. That's a fact. But I wanted us to pay attention to this: Russia did not reduce the number of strikes; that was the strategy. By reducing strikes on energy, they are hitting other civilian infrastructure."
Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia countered during a recent Security Council meeting, accusing Ukraine of ignoring the energy ceasefire. Following the session, representatives from Slovenia, Denmark, France, Greece, and Britain issued a joint statement urging Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire. Slovenia's UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar noted that Ukraine has shown a desire for peace by agreeing to a ceasefire five weeks ago, while Russia has continued to reject comprehensive peace initiatives.
In parallel developments, Ukraine's Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that Kyiv has signed a memorandum of intent with Washington regarding a planned investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine. US President Donald Trump indicated that the two parties are set to finalize a minerals deal next Thursday. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that a deal was targeted for April 26.
Top negotiators from the E3 grouping of Britain, France, and Germany are scheduled to meet again in London next week, alongside their US counterparts. This meeting follows earlier discussions where Trump’s envoys engaged with European foreign ministers regarding ceasefire efforts. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remarked, "What's new is that the United States, Ukraine, and the Europeans met around the same table."
Furthermore, a senior adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the importance of the ongoing process initiated in Paris, asserting, "The E3 are around the table and we're doing it with a European ambition."
Marco Rubio, Trump's secretary of state, has recently communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to the US State Department. As these diplomatic discussions unfold, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with continued military engagements and international efforts aimed at reestablishing peace.
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