**China Denies Accusations of Supplying Arms to Russia**
In a statement released on April 18, China’s Foreign Ministry rejected claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Beijing is supplying weapons to Russia. The denial comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate.
According to Reuters, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the allegations as “groundless” during a regular news conference. Zelensky had accused China of supporting Russia’s war effort by delivering arms just a day earlier.
Despite Beijing’s official claims of neutrality, there have been numerous reports suggesting that China is providing support to Russia, including supplying dual-use goods and deepening economic ties with Moscow. In fact, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk Oblast earlier this month. One of the captured soldiers reportedly told Ukrainian troops that he had paid 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,500) to a middleman in China to join the Russian army.
**Ukraine and US Strengthen Ties**
Meanwhile, Ukraine and the United States are strengthening their ties. The Ukrainian government published the text of a recently signed memorandum outlining a pending minerals agreement with the US on April 18. This comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky met with pro-Ukraine Republican U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to discuss peace and security guarantees for Ukraine.
The US has also announced plans to reduce its troop presence in Iraq, with commanders set to decide within 60 days whether to further scale back their numbers.
**Russia’s War Efforts Intensify**
Russian forces launched a series of attacks on Ukraine overnight, including ballistic missiles equipped with cluster munitions. The strikes hit the city center, causing extensive damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying it was “a murder.”
According to reports, Russian forces suffered 1,530 casualties over the past day, while Ukrainian forces killed around 200 Russian soldiers and injured 30 others.
**International Response**
The international community is continuing to respond to the crisis. The US has presented outlines of a durable and lasting peace agreement to all parties involved. European leaders have also expressed their support for Ukraine, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating that “it’s in Paris that the Europeans, the Americans, and the Ukrainians have met for the first time.”
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how China will respond to accusations of supplying arms to Russia. The international community is closely watching developments, with many calling for a ceasefire and an end to the conflict.
**Analysis**
The situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The denial by China’s Foreign Ministry that they are supplying arms to Russia raises questions about Beijing’s true intentions. While officially claiming neutrality, China has deepened economic ties with Moscow and emerged as a top supplier of dual-use goods.
As the conflict intensifies, it is clear that there is no easy solution in sight. The international community must continue to pressure all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to this crisis.
**Sources**
* Reuters
* Kyiv Independent
