China denies Zelenskyy’s charge that it provides Russia with weapons

Zelenskyy revealed Thursday that Ukraine's intelligence and security services had provided information suggesting China has been covertly supplying weapons to Russia, including gunpowder and artillery.

"I cannot say we're surprised," Zelenskyy said. "But we talked with the Chinese leader and he gave me his word that he won't sell or give weapons to Russia. Unfortunately, we have facts and see the opposite information."

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, China has maintained close economic and political ties with Moscow.

This includes an increase in bilateral trade, joint military exercises, and strengthened diplomatic collaboration through forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS.

Beijing has faced previous allegations of secretly supplying Russia with weapons and materials for drone production, while reducing drone shipments to Ukraine. Earlier this month, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian troops in the Donetsk region.

Despite the years of allegations, the Chinese government has consistently denied any direct involvement in the war and sought to present itself as a neutral party.