Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted Tuesday that Chinese citizens are aiding in drone manufacturing at a Russian facility and suggested Moscow may have illicitly acquired drone technology from Beijing. The remarks, made during a Kyiv press conference, follow earlier claims by Zelenskyy that China supplies weapons and gunpowder to Russia, as well as Ukraine’s recent capture of two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces.
“I instructed Ukraine’s Security Service to share comprehensive information with China regarding its citizens employed at [Russia’s] drone factory,” Zelenskyy stated. He speculated that Russia may have “stolen” Chinese drone technology through agreements made “outside the knowledge of Beijing’s leadership,” according to a report by Ukrinform.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that evidence detailing the alleged use of Chinese technology in Russian drones had been shared with Beijing. “It will be important for China to see how their partners are cooperating with them,” he added. Analysts, including Reuters, noted Zelenskyy’s tempered tone toward China, interpreting his remarks as implying possible unauthorized technology transfers rather than direct state collusion.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun on Tuesday to voice “serious concerns” over Chinese citizens’ reported participation in hostilities and involvement in Russian military production. Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis stressed that such actions “contradict the spirit of Ukraine-China partnership,” according to a ministry statement. Evidence supporting these allegations was reportedly provided to Chinese officials.
Perebyinis further urged Beijing to “halt support for Russia’s aggression,” reiterating Ukraine’s stance that China has repeatedly denied aiding Moscow’s war effort.
China Denies Allegations
Last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian flatly rejected claims of arms transfers: “China has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the conflict and strictly controls dual-use items.” Beijing has consistently positioned itself as a neutral actor in the war.
Zelenskyy’s latest accusations come amid heightened scrutiny of Sino-Russian ties. The president previously claimed at least 155 Chinese nationals are fighting with Russian forces, two of whom were captured by Ukrainian troops.
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