Zelenskyy Accuses China of Pressuring Other Countries to Not Attend Swiss Peace Conference

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of using its influence to help Russia disrupt an upcoming peace conference on the Ukraine war. The conference, organized by Switzerland, is scheduled to take place on June 15-16. Zelenskyy made these accusations during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

Zelenskyy claimed that Russia is leveraging Chinese influence in Asia to pressure other countries not to attend the summit. He stated, "Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit." He further expressed his disappointment that a powerful country like China is being used as an instrument by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Why this matters: The accusation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with potential implications for global security and international relations. If true, it could further strain relations between China and Western nations, and undermine efforts to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.

The peace conference aims to address key issues such as nuclear security, food security, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children from Russia. Zelenskyy has urged top defense officials to attend the conference, emphasizing the importance of these discussions for achieving peace in Ukraine.

China has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, which has put it at odds with Ukraine, the United States, and most of Europe. Despite this, China's trade with Russia has increased, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions on Russia. Intelligence agencies have also found evidence that Chinese parts are being used in Russian weaponry.

Zelenskyy highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "Time is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland." He also expressed his desire for the support of Asian countries, emphasizing that Ukraine seeks political, humanitarian, and civilian support rather than military assistance.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has indicated that it will not attend the peace conference, citing that it does not meet its expectations. Moscow has not been invited to the conference and has dismissed it. Over 100 countries and organizations have confirmed their participation in the meeting.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, Zelenskyy met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss Ukraine's defense needs and the upcoming peace conference. Austin expressed support for Ukraine, stating, "Putin's war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want."

The peace conference in Switzerland is seen as a vital step towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy's accusations against China highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the challenges in securing international support for peace efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accuses China of helping Russia disrupt upcoming peace conference.
• China's influence in Asia is being used to pressure countries not to attend the summit.
• The peace conference aims to address nuclear security, food security, and abducted Ukrainian children.
• China has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, but has increased trade with Russia.
• Over 100 countries and organizations have confirmed participation in the peace conference.