Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published September 18, 2026
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized China’s position in Russia’s war against Ukraine, saying Beijing’s relationship with Moscow is making a significant difference in the conflict.
In an interview with Japan’s public broadcaster NHK on September 17, Zelensky said China was not politically aligned with Ukraine and argued that Beijing could use its considerable influence over Russia to encourage Moscow to move toward negotiations.
“It is a pity that China is not on our side in this war – politically,” Zelensky said, according to Kyiv Post.
Zelensky distinguished between direct military assistance and broader economic and technological support. He said he had not seen Chinese missiles being used by Russian forces in Ukraine, but argued that Chinese technology, machinery and other products are reaching Russia and contributing to its ability to sustain the war.
The Ukrainian president also said China has substantial leverage over Moscow because of the depth of the two countries’ economic and political relationship.
“I don’t see China pushing Russia to stop the war,” Zelensky said, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
China’s Role
China has maintained close relations with Russia throughout the war while publicly calling for negotiations and a political settlement.
Beijing has rejected accusations that it is directly supplying weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine and has described its relationship with Moscow as normal economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Kyiv, however, has repeatedly called on Beijing to use its influence with Russian President Vladimir Putin to help end the fighting.
Zelensky made a similar appeal in August, urging Chinese President Xi Jinping to take a more active diplomatic role in efforts to end the war.
A Broader Diplomatic Issue
Zelensky’s latest comments come as Ukraine continues seeking international pressure on Russia while fighting continues across multiple parts of the front.
The Ukrainian government has argued that countries with close relationships with Moscow—including China—could play an important role in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Russia and China have continued to cooperate on economic and diplomatic matters, while both governments have challenged aspects of Western foreign policy.
For Ukraine, the question is whether Beijing is prepared to use its relationship with Moscow to encourage substantive negotiations.
What Comes Next
Zelensky’s remarks place renewed attention on China’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war. While Beijing says it supports dialogue and a political settlement, Kyiv continues to call for greater pressure on Moscow.
The dispute highlights the broader international dimension of the conflict, in which Ukraine is seeking continued support from its partners while Russia maintains important relationships with countries outside the Western alliance.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Zelensky’s comments put renewed focus on China’s relationship with Russia and the potential influence Beijing has over Moscow. While China continues to call for dialogue, Ukraine argues that China could do more to use its economic and diplomatic ties with Russia to encourage an end to the war.
SOURCES: BREITBART NEWS – Volodymyr Zelensky: ‘It’s a Pity’ China Supports Russia, Makes ‘a Lot’ of Difference in Invasion
KYIV POST – ‘It Is a Pity’: China Could Stop the War but Leans Toward Russia, Zelensky Says
UKRAINSKA PRAVDA – Zelenskyy: “I don’t see China pushing Russia to stop the war”
