Zelenskyy: Chinese Nationals Involved in Russian Drone Production

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Tuesday 's briefing that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production facility in Russia, adding that Moscow may have “stolen” drone technology from China without Beijing’s knowledge, The Gaze reports.

Zelenskyy stated: “Separately, I asked the Security Service of Ukraine to transfer information of a broader nature to the Chinese side regarding Chinese citizens who work at the drone factory. We believe that it may be that Russia stole – made an agreement with these citizens outside the agreements with the Chinese leadership – stole these technologies.”

This comes just days after Zelenskyy made his first public accusation that China was supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia—an allegation Beijing firmly denies. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun to express “serious concerns” over alleged Chinese involvement in Russia’s war efforts.

In a statement, the ministry said: “Ukraine expressed serious concerns about the facts of the participation of Chinese citizens in military action against Ukraine on the side of the aggressor-state and also the involvement of Chinese companies in the manufacture in Russia of military goods.”

Earlier this month, Zelenskyy said Russia was recruiting Chinese nationals via social media, adding that Kyiv was still working to determine whether those recruits were acting under direct orders from Beijing.

Zelenskyy’s recent comments could signal a shift in tone. While accusing Moscow of acquiring Chinese drone technology, he implied it might have occurred without the Chinese government’s consent, perhaps in an effort to keep diplomatic lines with Beijing open.

China, meanwhile, reiterated its opposition to the claims. On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said:

“We have already made clear China’s position on the relevant issues. China firmly opposes unwarranted accusations and political manipulation.”

As The Gaze previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, citing information from intelligence, said that China is supplying Russia with artillery and gunpowder, and that the Chinese are also producing some weapons in Russia.

Read more on The Gaze: China’s Support for Russia Raises Concerns Over the Russian-Ukrainian War