Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that he had "information" that China was supplying weapons to Russia, amid an escalating row between Kyiv and Beijing over China's support for Moscow.
Zelensky said last Wednesday that Kyiv knew of at least 155 Chinese nationals deployed to assist Moscow's invasion, a day after claiming the Ukrainian army had captured two Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region.
"We have finally received information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation," Zelensky told journalists at a press conference in Kyiv.
"We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on Russian territory," he added.
Zelensky did not elaborate on his accusations, saying only that Kyiv was "ready" to talk about them in detail.
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.
Beijing pushed back at Ukraine's claims last week, calling for all sides in the conflict to refrain from "irresponsible remarks."
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
