- Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses China of aiding Russia
- Zelensky alleges Russia has been using Chinese diplomats across Asia
- Zelensky emphasizes the importance of broad participation in the summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pointed fingers at China, accusing it of aiding Russia in derailing an upcoming peace summit aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Addressing the prestigious security conference in Singapore, Zelensky alleged that Russia had been leveraging Chinese diplomats across Asia to sway countries from participating in the peace conference, scheduled to take place at Burgenstock Resort in central Switzerland on June 15 and 16.
Zelensky stated, “Russia, utilizing Chinese influence in the region, employing Chinese diplomats as well, is actively working to disrupt the peace summit.”
He expressed disappointment that China, a significant independent power, was seemingly being manipulated by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
He emphasized that such actions were not merely supportive of Russia but were tantamount to supporting war itself.
Zelensky revealed Ukraine’s agenda for the summit, which included discussions on nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war, and the repatriation of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
Urging swift action, he highlighted the detrimental effects of prolonged conflict on Ukrainian children, raised in an environment of hostility towards their homeland.
Asserting Ukraine’s readiness to engage in constructive dialogue, Zelensky emphasized the importance of broad participation in the summit to compel Russia to heed international concerns.
This accusatory stance toward China marks a departure from Zelensky’s previous attempts to enlist Chinese support in pressuring Moscow to cease hostilities.
Despite previous efforts, Zelensky lamented the lack of response from Chinese officials, despite Ukraine’s persistent requests for meetings at various levels.
The absence of China’s participation in the upcoming summit dealt a significant blow, following reports of US President Joe Biden’s likely absence due to prior commitments.
China’s purported neutrality in the Ukraine conflict contrasts with its growing economic ties with Russia, raising suspicions of indirect support. Furthermore, allegations of Chinese components finding their way into Russian weaponry, along with UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps’ claims of China supplying “lethal aid” to Russia, further complicate the situation.
Despite these accusations, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace talks, denying any direct involvement in fueling the conflict and emphasizing their stance in favor of peace and dialogue.
