Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday, Sept. 17, that China is not politically on Ukraine’s side in Russia’s war and instead leans toward Moscow, despite having enough influence to push Russian leader Vladimir Putin toward negotiations.

Zelensky made the remarks in an interview with Japanese public broadcaster NHK, excerpts from which he published on his official Telegram channel.

“It is a pity that China is not on our side in this war – politically. It is not even about weapons,” Zelensky said in the final excerpt.

He argued that China’s position was not neutral because Beijing appeared more open and willing to help Russia than Ukraine.

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Zelensky said Chinese technology and equipment were reaching Russia, possibly together with specialists and technical expertise.

The Ukrainian president said he had never seen China publicly pressure Moscow to stop the war.

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In his assessment, Beijing could find a way to push Putin toward negotiations but had chosen not to do so. He questioned whether refusing to act despite possessing such influence amounted to support for Moscow.

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Ukraine has repeatedly raised concerns about Chinese-origin technology found in Russian weapons. In July, Beijing had not visibly responded after Ukraine provided serial-number evidence linking Chinese-made components to Russian missiles and drones.

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Kyiv Post also reported in August that Chinese components, including small turbojet engines, had helped Russia develop faster Shahed-type attack drones that are more difficult for Ukraine to intercept.

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Zelensky also warned that North Korea had sent between 30,000 and 50,000 soldiers to Russia, where they were able to obtain experience in real combat rather than through digital simulations.

In the second interview excerpt, he said the North Korean forces had suffered significant losses when they fought Ukrainian troops during the Kursk operation.

Afterward, Zelensky said, they avoided entering Ukrainian territory directly but continued training inside Russia, including alongside drone operators.

“They are training, working with drones and drone operators,” Zelensky said, describing the experience they were gaining as a major threat to security in the Pacific region.

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