Zelensky: China is “politically not on our side” and is not pressuring Putin toward negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that China has never used its influence over Russia to push Vladimir Putin toward negotiations to settle the war.

He made the remarks in an interview with Japanese public broadcaster NHK, calling Beijing’s political alignment with Moscow “regrettable.”

“I don’t see China pressuring Russia to stop the war. I have never seen that. Of course, China can find a way to push Putin toward negotiations. I am sure of that, but they are not doing it. And if you can but don’t — is that support or not?” — Zelensky said, sharing excerpts from the interview on social media.

According to the Ukrainian president, Western sanctions against Russia’s energy and banking sectors have strengthened China’s leverage over Moscow, giving Beijing tools it could use to press for peace. Zelensky drew a distinction between the roles of China and North Korea in the conflict: he had seen North Korean-made missiles in Ukraine, but not Chinese ones. At the same time, he claimed that Chinese vehicles, technology, and specialists were flowing into Russia.

“It is a pity that China is politically not on our side in this war. It is not even about weapons. It is about political will,” — Zelensky said.

He also added that Beijing is “a little more on Russia’s side” rather than occupying a neutral position, and that “for such a large country, ‘a little’ is a great deal.” China, for its part, insists that it strictly controls exports of dual-use goods and opposes sanctions imposed against Chinese companies accused of aiding Russia’s defense industry.

In the same interview, Zelensky proposed a “drone deal” to Japan, seeking closer cooperation in defense technology — specifically in the areas of maritime drones, reconnaissance, demining, air defense, and cybersecurity. He noted that more than 70 percent of Ukraine’s defense industry is in the private sector, adding that cooperation could involve both governments and companies. Ukraine has already concluded drone technology cooperation agreements with a number of partners, including a recently signed deal with Canada on the joint production of unmanned systems, counter-drone systems, and munitions.

Separately, Zelensky warned that North Korea had sent between 30,000 and 50,000 soldiers to Russia, who have gained real combat experience, calling this “a serious problem, particularly for security in the Pacific region.” He said North Korean troops had stepped back from direct combat operations on Ukrainian territory after suffering heavy losses during the Kursk operation, but continue to train alongside Russian drone operators.