Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he sees no real desire from China to help end Russia’s war against Ukraine, citing Beijing’s strategic rivalry with Washington as a key reason, according to Liga. His comments came as Germany called on China to use its influence over Moscow to help bring peace.

Zelenskyy: China does not benefit from stopping Russia, so the war continues

Liga says Zelenskyy spoke to Ukrainian media on 8 December and responded to a question from a Liga reporter about China’s role in peace talks and whether it could pressure Russia to end the war. He said China is “a strong country, a strong economy” and clearly holds influence over Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. However, he stated: 

“I don’t see that China benefits from ending this war.”

He linked China’s inaction to the global competition with the United States. Referring to Washington’s updated national security strategy, he noted, 

“These are two poles... two great powers, great economies. And this is a great confrontation.” 

Though this is not a direct military conflict, Zelenskyy said the struggle between the US and China plays out in diplomacy and economics — and in this context, a weak and defeated Russia is not in China’s interest.

“Today, China does not benefit from a weak and defeated Russia in this format,” he said. “And because of that, honestly, the Ukrainian people suffer. Because if China does not benefit from stopping Russia, that means the war continues.”

Zelenskyy emphasized that while China may not be supplying weapons to Russia, it "definitely does not support ending the war." 

He added that Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest Beijing supplies Moscow with machines and “other things,” though no direct arms transfers have been confirmed to him: 

“As for direct weapons deliveries... I have not been informed about that.”

Germany calls on China to act for peace in Ukraine

On the same day, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Beijing and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wadephul urged Beijing to use its leverage to help bring an early end to the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Meanwhile, Wang reiterated China’s standard line that all parties should work toward a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation, aiming for a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement. He said China allegedly supports “all efforts” that lead to peace and will continue to play a “constructive role.”