Zelenskyy Claims China Supports Russia, Undermines Ukraine War Effort

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly accused China of aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine, stating that China is not interested in Ukraine's victory or Russia's defeat and that there is no ongoing dialogue with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. NATO and U.S. officials have corroborated these concerns, highlighting that approximately 80% of critical components used in Russian military drones, including fiber-optic cables and lithium-ion batteries, are sourced from China, significantly bolstering Russia's war capabilities. Despite China's claims of neutrality and denials of supplying lethal weapons, evidence points to increased shipments of military-relevant technology to Russia, while exports of similar components to Ukraine have been restricted. In response to U.S. sanctions targeting Russia's major oil companies, China condemned the measures as unilateral and illegitimate, emphasizing dialogue over coercion, and has vowed to continue trade with Russia despite U.S. accusations that it is funding Moscow's war. The United States, under President Trump, has called on China and other nations to cease purchasing Russian oil, framing these purchases as support for Russia's invasion, which China has rebuffed as economic bullying and a violation of its sovereignty. This complex geopolitical dynamic underscores China's critical role in sustaining Russia's military efforts amid ongoing international efforts to pressure Moscow to end the conflict.