Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia and China of undermining his upcoming global peace summit in Switzerland. Zelensky stated that Russia was attempting to dissuade other states from attending the event, with China also involved in these efforts. He made these remarks at an Asian security forum, where he also mentioned concerns about elements of Russia’s weapons coming from China.
China has maintained a position of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict but is facing accusations of aiding Moscow by providing components for weapons and supporting the Russian economy through oil and gas purchases, thereby lessening the impact of Western sanctions.
Zelensky’s appearance at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore aimed to garner support from Asian countries. He urged delegates to attend his summit, scheduled for later in June, focusing on nuclear security, food security, and the release of prisoners of war and Ukrainian children held in Russia.
Despite Russia not being invited and China not attending, 106 countries have confirmed sending high-level representatives or their leaders to the summit. Zelensky claimed that Russia was pressuring countries not to attend, using threats of a blockade of agricultural, chemical, and energy goods, with China also involved in these efforts.
He criticized China for being “an instrument in the hands of Putin” and accused Russia of using Chinese influence and diplomats to disrupt the peace summit. Zelensky also expressed disappointment in China for supplying elements of weaponry to Russia, despite earlier promises from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to remain neutral in the conflict.
China’s foreign ministry emphasized the importance of both Russia and Ukraine’s recognition in the peace summit for it to play a substantive role in restoring peace. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun reiterated China’s stance of not supplying weapons to either party in the conflict, stating their commitment to peace and dialogue.
Zelensky also discussed with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin the US decision to allow Ukraine to use American weapons on Russian territory, with certain restrictions. This move by the US, along with similar actions by other Western states, has raised tensions with Russia, which has warned of serious consequences.
