China has positioned itself as an impartial entity in the three-year conflict, even in the face of criticism from Western nations regarding its strong relationship with Russia, which has reportedly provided Moscow with significant economic and diplomatic backing.
On Friday, China dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s assertion that Beijing is providing lethal weaponry in the ongoing conflict.
“The Chinese government has never supplied lethal arms to any party involved in the conflict and maintains strict control over dual-use items,” stated Lin Jian, a spokesman for the foreign ministry.
Zelenskyy claimed on Thursday that Ukraine possesses “intelligence” indicating that China is supplying artillery and gunpowder to Russia, although he did not provide specific details and mentioned that Kyiv is “prepared” to engage in discussions with Beijing regarding the issue.
In response, Beijing reiterated that its stance on the Ukraine situation remains consistent and clear.
“We have consistently made efforts to promote a cessation of hostilities and facilitate peace talks,” Lin added.
China has positioned itself as a neutral entity in the three-year conflict, despite facing criticism from Western nations for its close relationship with Russia, which has reportedly provided Moscow with significant economic and diplomatic backing.
Ukrainian authorities recently detained two Chinese soldiers who were fighting alongside Russian forces. The soldiers confirmed that they were under the command of Russian officers, who communicated with them through gestures due to language differences.
Earlier, Zelenskyy had stated that at least 155 Chinese nationals were fighting on the side of Russia. This claim was made prior to the capture of the two soldiers, marking the first public evidence of Chinese involvement in the conflict.
In other developments, Kyiv and Washington were on the verge of finalizing a mineral agreement before the February confrontation between Trump and Zelensky temporarily halted progress on the deal.
“We have a minerals agreement that I believe will be signed next Thursday… soon. I expect they will honor the agreement. We will see. But we have a deal in place,” Trump remarked.
Additionally, Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on X that the country has signed a “Memorandum of Intent” with the United States regarding a proposed “Investment Fund.”
Numerous tasks remain, yet the existing momentum and substantial advancements provide grounds for optimism that the document will prove advantageous for both nations, she remarked.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed AFP that the goal is to finalize a deal by April 26.
