Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has given a warning of World War III if China allies with Russia. He reached out to the Chinese leadership on Monday and “asked them not to provide any support to Russia” in its war against Ukraine.
“My hope is that the government in Beijing will maintain a pragmatic attitude, otherwise we risk World War III – we are all aware of that,” Zelenskyy said in an interview with Italian daily la Repubblica.
Zelensky asks China to not support Russia to prevent World War 3
Ukraine has had a consistently “excellent relationship with China” and it is “in everyone’s interest not to worsen it,” he added.
Russia regards China as one of its significant backers, but so far, China has not offered any military assistance to Moscow. Nonetheless, the US government asserts that China may soon furnish weapons.
During an interview with CBS television on Sunday, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, mentioned that there is intelligence suggesting that China is “exploring the possibility of providing deadly aid” to Russia. When questioned about what he meant, Blinken responded that it referred mainly to weapons.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian premier criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for frequently pursuing negotiations with Russia.
“It will be an unsuccessful dialogue. In fact, Macron is wasting his time. I have come to the conclusion that we are not able to change the Russian attitude,” the Ukrainian president said.
Biden’s surprise visit to Kiev for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden paid a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday. He demonstrated America’s loyalty to Ukraine ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
His short visit, which is being kept under wraps due to safety concerns, comes at a critical moment in the war.
Ukraine is preparing for a counteroffensive and urges its allies to expedite the transfer of billions of dollars in Western weapons. Russia has also increased its attacks and arrangements for a larger offensive, though progress has stalled thus far.
Zelenskyy thanked Biden for coming at “the most difficult time” for Ukraine. “This conversation brings us closer to victory,” he said.
