Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that China is working to strengthen its cooperation with Russia, especially in military production. This comes as their relationship deepens since Russia invaded Ukraine.
On social media, Zelensky shared a report from the head of Ukraine’s foreign intelligence agency. The report highlights that Russia relies on Chinese investment, technology, and political support.
Zelensky mentioned that intelligence partners have also seen the increased cooperation between China and Russia in the military sector. He has directed Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service to watch this cooperation closely, focusing on how it affects Ukraine and its Western allies.
“Global security must not be put at risk, as Russia’s desire for aggression continues,” he said.
The report highlights that parts of Russian territory are becoming less independent as they increasingly favor Beijing. This is happening mainly through the use of resource-rich land and the sale of valuable resources to China.
Despite Western pressure, China has grown closer to Russia since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
China claims to be neutral in the conflict and has kept a low profile during global efforts to negotiate peace. However, many have urged China to use its influence over Moscow. Russia relies heavily on China to lessen the impact of Western sanctions.
In September, leaders from China and Russia discussed their idea for a new international order at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Last month, during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to increase investment and strengthen economic ties between their countries. He called this closer relationship a “shared strategic choice.”
Xi mentioned several areas where they could work together, including aerospace, energy, agriculture, and the digital economy.
Coalition of the Willing to Meet
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukrainian officials will soon share their latest proposals to end the war with U.S. negotiators. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a settlement.
Zelensky will discuss these negotiations in a video call on Thursday with leaders from about 30 of Ukraine’s allies, part of the “Coalition of the Willing,” led by France and the United Kingdom. The French presidency confirmed that the call will happen.
Ukraine’s European allies support President Zelensky’s goal of reaching a fair peace agreement that will stop future Russian attacks in Europe. They are concerned that Trump’s push for a quick deal could lead to an agreement that helps Russia.
In response to Trump’s comments suggesting that Zelensky is using the war to avoid elections, Zelensky said Ukraine could hold a vote within three months if its partners guarantee safety during wartime and adjust the electoral law.
“To hold elections, we must answer two main questions: First, how can we ensure security during the elections while facing attacks, and how will our military vote?” Zelensky explained.
“The second question is the legal framework needed to make sure the elections are legitimate,” he noted, pointing out that elections cannot happen during martial law.
Hospital Shelled in Russian-Controlled Kherson
Fighting continues in the war as peace talks go on.
In the southern Kherson region of Ukraine, controlled by Russia, Ukrainian shelling has killed three hospital workers and injured two others. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed governor, shared this information on Telegram. One of the injured workers is in intensive care.
Separately, Russian drones attacked the gas transport system in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, reported Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk. Heavy fighting is also happening in Pokrovsk, in the eastern Donbas region, where Ukraine’s military is defending against a Russian mechanized attack.
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