President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said China has significant influence over Russia and, in his view, could push Vladimir Putin toward negotiations, but has not done so. He also spoke about North Korea’s involvement in the war and the transfer of technologies and equipment from China to Russia.
Zelenskyy made the remarks in an interview with NHK, excerpts from which he published on his Telegram channel.
According to the president, North Korea has sent between 30,000 and 50,000 troops to Russia, giving them an opportunity to train and gain real combat experience.
“Russia gave them the opportunity to gain experience in real combat operations and undergo training. Not on a digital simulator, but in real life,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that North Korean units suffered significant losses when they directly engaged Ukrainian forces during the Kursk operation. After that, according to Zelenskyy, they decided not to enter Ukrainian territory.
At the same time, North Korean troops continue training, including working with drones and drone operators.
“This is a major problem, especially for security in the Pacific region,” Zelenskyy stressed.
The president also said he had seen a North Korean-made missile in Ukraine, but had not seen Chinese missiles.
“I have not seen Chinese missiles. But I know that their technologies are reaching Russia. The equipment they use comes from China, probably together with specialists and technologies,” Zelenskyy said.
Speaking about Beijing’s political position, the president said he had not seen China putting pressure on Russia to end the war.
“I do not see China pressuring Russia to stop the war. I have never seen that,” he said.
In Zelenskyy’s view, Beijing has enough influence over Moscow, particularly amid sanctions and problems affecting Russia’s energy and banking sectors.
“Of course, China can find a way to push Putin toward negotiations. I am sure of that. But they have not done it. And if you can, but you do not, is that support or not?” the president said.
He also said he regretted China’s political stance on the war.
“The problem is that they are not in the middle. They are a little more on Russia’s side,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, he was not referring to direct arms supplies, but rather to greater openness and willingness to help Russia than Ukraine.
“In the case of such a large country, ‘a little’ means a lot,” the president concluded.
