China denies Zelensky's weapon claims, insists on peace role
China has firmly rejected accusations by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky of supplying weapons to Russia, calling them "groundless." Beijing assures that its role is to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict, despite ongoing allegations of supporting Moscow on an economic and military level.
Beijing dismissed the Ukrainian accusations of supplying weapons to Russia, as reported by Politico. On Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs again denied claims by President Zelensky, who accused China of secretly supplying gunpowder and artillery to Russia. Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the "accusations are groundless".
China’s position on the Ukraine issue remains consistent and clear. We have worked actively for a ceasefire and to promote peace talks, Lin Jian conveyed.
This is yet another denial by China, which has maintained close relations with Russia since the war began, engaging in increased trade and joint military exercises. China's policy towards Ukraine and Russia balances between neutrality and clear support for Moscow on an economic and diplomatic level.
Beijing consistently emphasises that its role is to promote peace talks, not to escalate the conflict, which is not confirmed by its actions in supplying military and technological resources. Last month, Ukrainian military forces arrested two Chinese citizens who were fighting on the Russian side in the Donetsk region, further fuelling doubts about China's role in the conflict.
Zelensky accuses China
President Zelensky emphasised that despite the Chinese leader's promise that China would not supply weapons to Russia, intelligence evidence suggests otherwise. Accusations of secret arms deliveries from China are one of the key points of tension in international politics related to the war in Ukraine.
On Friday, Zelensky signed a decree implementing the decision of the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) regarding sanctions against 59 individuals and 60 legal entities, including several Chinese companies.
The NSDC decision concerns the application of special personal economic measures and other restrictive measures (sanctions) issued on April 18.
According to the annexe to Decree No. 247/2025, the sanctions affect 60 legal entities, including enterprises from Russia and China. The sanctions list includes Chinese companies from the high technology and aerospace industries: Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fibre Xining, Rui Jin Machinery, and Beijing Aviation and Aerospace Xianghui Technology.
