Introduction
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Kremlin firmly rejected recent remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who claimed that China was becoming involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Moscow emphasized that Beijing has maintained a neutral and balanced stance regarding the conflict and reiterated the close strategic ties between Russia and China.
Zelenskyy’s Accusations Against China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his recent comments, suggested that China may be gradually aligning itself with Russia in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. He implied that Beijing’s interactions and strategic moves were signs of increasing involvement or at least passive support of Russian actions. These comments were made in the broader context of Ukraine seeking stronger international support and aiming to highlight potential shifts in the global geopolitical landscape.
Kremlin Responds: China Maintains a Balanced Stance
Responding to these allegations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov strongly refuted Zelenskyy’s claims. Speaking to reporters, Peskov stated:
“This is not the case. China takes a balanced position. China is our strategic partner, our friend, and our comrade.”
Peskov went on to emphasize that Beijing’s approach to the Ukraine conflict is one of impartiality and diplomacy. He noted that China has consistently called for peaceful negotiations and a political resolution, rather than taking sides or interfering militarily.
China’s Official Position on the Conflict
Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, China has walked a careful diplomatic tightrope. While maintaining strong ties with Moscow, Beijing has refrained from explicitly endorsing the invasion of Ukraine. Chinese officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, while also recognizing Russia’s security concerns in the region.
China has also put forth several peace proposals and expressed willingness to mediate, though many Western nations have viewed these efforts with skepticism. Despite that, Beijing has avoided providing military aid to either side and has largely kept its involvement economic and political rather than militaristic.
Russia and China’s Strategic Partnership
Despite China’s neutral public stance, the relationship between Russia and China has visibly strengthened in recent years. Economic cooperation between the two nations has surged, especially in the areas of energy and trade. Russia has increasingly turned to China as a key economic partner amid sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the West.
Dmitry Peskov underscored the significance of the Russia-China relationship, characterizing it as more than just a geopolitical alliance. According to him, the two countries share a deep-rooted understanding and mutual respect, which is reflected in their foreign policies and coordinated international strategies.
Western Concerns Over China-Russia Ties
The growing bond between Moscow and Beijing has caused concern in many Western capitals. There is an apprehension that China’s support—however indirect—could embolden Russia and prolong the war in Ukraine. Western analysts have pointed to joint military exercises, economic deals, and diplomatic alignment in global forums as evidence of a closer-than-claimed relationship.
However, China has dismissed these concerns, reiterating its position as a responsible global power advocating for peace and stability. Chinese officials have stated that they are not supplying weapons to Russia and that their cooperation is not targeted at any third country.
Ukraine’s Diplomatic Strategy
President Zelenskyy’s remarks may be seen as part of a broader strategy to rally global support and draw attention to any nations perceived to be enabling or failing to condemn Russia’s actions. Kyiv has been urging countries, particularly those in the Global South and Asia, to take a firmer stance against Moscow and to avoid neutrality, which Ukrainian leaders argue benefits the aggressor.
By spotlighting China, Zelenskyy might be attempting to push the international community to scrutinize the roles of major powers that have yet to fully align with Ukraine and the West.
