Kremlin says China not being drawn into Ukraine conflict

China warns Ukraine against irresponsible remarks after Zelenskyy claims Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

The Kremlin on Thursday (April 10, 2025) dismissed comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that China was being drawn into the conflict in Ukraine, saying that Beijing has a "balanced position".

China warned Ukraine against making "irresponsible" remarks after Mr. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence had revealed that at least 155 Chinese citizens were fighting on the side of Russia in Ukraine.

Mr. Zelenskyy said Russia was recruiting Chinese nationals via social media and that Chinese officials were aware of it.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called Beijing "a firm supporter and active promoter of a peaceful settlement of the crisis" and said China always attempts to dissuade its citizens from signing up to fight in foreign conflicts.

Asked about Mr. Zelenskyy's remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was not dragging Beijing into the conflict.

"This is not the case. China takes a balanced position. China is our strategic partner, friend (and) comrade," Mr. Peskov said. "Zelenskyy is wrong."

Russia and China declared a "no-limits" strategic partnership days before President Vladimir Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.