Ukraine’s Zelenskyy claims Chinese nationals helping Russia produce drones

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy claims Chinese nationals helping Russia produce drones

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, claimed that Chinese citizens are funding the production of drones in Russia and that Beijing may have “stolen” drone technology.

Following the recent capture of two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia against Ukrainian forces, the Ukrainian leader made the comment at a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday. Just days earlier, he claimed China was providing weapons and gunpowder to Russia.

Zelenskyy stated at the news conference that he requested that the Security Service of Ukraine provide more information to the Chinese side regarding the employees of the drone factory.

We think it could be that Russia allegedly stole these technologies by making a deal with these people outside of Chinese leadership terms, he said.

The information also lists the relevant Chinese drone-related technologies. According to the Ukrinform news site, he said, “I think it will be important for Beijing to see how their partners are working with them.”

On April 4, 2025, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine. [Photo: Alina Smutko/Reuters]

According to the Reuters news agency, the president of Ukraine’s suggestion that Russia may have obtained drone technology from China without Beijing’s knowledge may indicate a lessening of Zelenskyy’s attitude toward Chinese people. China has vehemently denied involvement in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that it had called Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun to express its “grave concerns” about the facts surrounding Chinese citizens’ involvement in military action against Ukraine.

Zelenskyy previously claimed that at least 155 Chinese were engaged in combat with the Russian army, two of whom had recently been taken by Ukraine, and that he had “information” that China was providing arms to Russia.

The involvement of Chinese citizens in hostilities against Ukraine on the side of the aggressor state, as well as Chinese companies’ involvement in Russian production of military products, are grave concerns and go against the spirit of cooperation between Ukraine and China, according to the ministry’s statement.

The ministry claimed that the Ukrainian special services “sent the Chinese side” proof of these facts.

The deputy foreign minister called on Beijing to take steps to stop supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which Beijing has repeatedly stated is untrue, according to the ministry.

China vehemently denied providing weapons last week.

According to a spokesman for the Chinese government, Lin Jian, the country strictly controls dual-use items and has never provided lethal weapons to any conflict party.

Source: Aljazeera

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