Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia and China of attempting to undermine his upcoming global peace summit in Switzerland. He stated that Russia is actively trying to dissuade other nations from attending the event, with China also contributing to this effort. Zelensky made these remarks while speaking at an Asian security forum.
In his address, Zelensky highlighted concerns about the presence of Chinese components in Russian weaponry, despite China’s official stance of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict. This neutrality has been increasingly questioned, especially by the US, which accuses Beijing of aiding Moscow by supplying weapon components and buying significant quantities of Russian oil and gas, thereby mitigating the impact of Western sanctions.
#BREAKING: 🔥 Ukraine’s Zelensky speaks out! 🇺🇦🇨🇳 He accuses Russia of using Chinese influence & diplomats to disrupt the peace summit. What’s behind this surprising claim? Tensions between East & West escalate. Stay tuned for updates!#Ukraine #Russia #China #Kharkiv pic.twitter.com/FLkLF2jbAF
— Global News Wire (@Global_NewsWire) June 2, 2024
Zelensky’s unexpected appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore aimed to rally support from Asian nations. The forum was attended by defense chiefs from various countries, including the US Secretary of Defense and the Chinese defense minister. During the event, Zelensky urged delegates to participate in the summit scheduled for later in June, which will focus on nuclear security, food security, and the release of prisoners of war and Ukrainian children held in Russia.
According to Zelensky, 106 countries have agreed to send high-level representatives or their leaders to the summit. Russia has not been invited, and China has declined to attend. It is understood that Russia had informed Switzerland early on of its unwillingness to participate, and formal invitations were thus not extended to Moscow.
Zelensky accused Russia of attempting to disrupt the summit by pressuring countries through threats of blockades on agricultural goods, chemical goods, and energy supplies. He also implicated China, claiming it was working to prevent countries from attending, unlike the US, which is supporting the summit and encouraging participation.
At the Forum in Singapore, President Zelensky said that unfortunately, Beijing is talking the countries of “Global South” out of participating in the Peace Summit in Switzerland, suggesting instead a plan of de-facto “freezing the war” – which suits Russia.
We are currently… pic.twitter.com/woDHSMGMPQ
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) June 2, 2024
He expressed disappointment in China, stating that such a significant and independent country should not be an instrument in the hands of Russia. China’s foreign ministry responded, emphasizing that any peace conference should have the recognition and equal participation of both Russia and Ukraine to be effective in restoring peace. The Chinese ministry reiterated that the conference’s success depends on inclusive participation.
Zelensky also referenced earlier assurances from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who had promised that China would remain neutral and not support Russia with weapons. However, intelligence reports now indicate that Chinese components are part of Russia’s military arsenal. Zelensky called on China to maintain a consistent and neutral position.
The US has accused China of aiding Russia by providing munitions, armored vehicles, and missile technology. According to US estimates, a significant portion of the machine tools and microelectronics Russia imports come from China. In contrast, Chinese defense minister Dong Jun stated that China does not supply weapons to either side of the Ukraine conflict and has imposed strict controls on the export of dual-use technology.
⚡️ Zelensky accuses China of ‘working hard’ to stop countries attending global peace summit.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused China of “working hard” to prevent countries from attending Ukraine’s global peace summit later this month.https://t.co/0PlEAMtkA7
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) June 2, 2024
During the forum, Zelensky did not meet with Dong Jun but did meet with the US Secretary of Defense. They discussed the US decision to permit Ukraine to use American weapons on Russian territory, albeit with certain restrictions. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the US’s support but also highlighted the need for more comprehensive assistance, particularly in regions experiencing intense fighting like Kharkiv.
Zelensky’s visit to Asia marks his second since the war began, following his attendance at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, a year ago. His efforts underscore the ongoing international dimension of the Ukraine conflict and the complex dynamics involving global powers like the US and China.
Major Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia and China of attempting to undermine a global peace summit in Switzerland by dissuading other nations from attending.
- Zelensky highlighted concerns about Chinese components in Russian weaponry, questioning China’s claimed neutrality in the Ukraine conflict.
- The summit, focusing on nuclear and food security, as well as the release of prisoners of war, has confirmed participation from 106 countries, but Russia and China are not attending.
- Zelensky expressed disappointment in China’s involvement, citing earlier assurances from Chinese leader Xi Jinping about neutrality.
- The US supports Ukraine’s use of American weapons against Russia and criticizes China for aiding Russia with military supplies, despite China’s claims of strict export controls.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
