Zelenskiy accuses China of aiding Russia’s war effort through industrial and military support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused China of materially supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex, providing key technologies and resources that have enabled Moscow to sustain and scale its war effort against Ukraine.

“Xi told me that he would not sell weapons to Russia, but I know one thing: China is helping Russia. China is not helping Ukraine. China is not interested in our victory and Russia’s defeat,” Zelenskiy said during a press conference in Brussels on October 23, Reuters reported.

Zelenskiy’s remarks mark a new more aggressive stance on China, following months of restraint by Kyiv in publicly criticising Beijing’s role in the conflict. The statement underscores mounting frustration in Ukraine over what officials see as China’s growing role in supporting Russia’s war machine, despite public claims of neutrality.

China has become Russia’s primary source of critical dual-use components used in the assembly of missiles, drones, tanks and other weapons systems. Over 90% of Russia’s microelectronics imports now come from China, including semiconductors used in guidance systems for drones and missiles.

In addition to direct exports, Chinese support has enabled Russia to localise arms production. Since 2023, machine tools—used to manufacture precision components for engines, missiles and guided weapons—have accounted for nearly 40% of the growth in Chinese dual-use exports to Russia. Beijing has also transferred know-how related to turbojet engines and cruise missile technology, allowing Russian firms to assemble advanced systems such as the Kh-101 missile domestically.

Chinese firms continue to export rare earths and other critical minerals to Russia without restriction. These materials are vital for semiconductor production and high-tech weaponry. In early 2024 alone, Chinese suppliers shipped over 110 tonnes of such materials, with trade continuing into 2025 despite Western controls.

Beijing has also faced criticism for tolerating North Korea’s role as a proxy supplier. North Korea, whose economy remains heavily dependent on China—accounting for roughly 90% of its imports—has delivered an estimated 6mn artillery shells, ballistic missiles, cluster munitions and thousands of troops to Russia since 2022.

Zelenskiy’s comments reflect growing concerns among Western allies that Beijing’s support, while not overtly military, has become instrumental in prolonging the war./IntelliNews/