• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy alleges Chinese citizens are aiding drone production in Russia.
• Ukraine summons Chinese ambassador to express serious concerns over military involvement.
• China has denied any military support to Russia and condemned the accusations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production facility in Russia and suggested that Moscow may have "stolen" drone technology from China. This allegation marks a significant accusation of military support from China to Russia, contradicting Beijing's declared neutrality in the Ukraine conflict. The comments were made during a news conference in Kyiv, shortly after Zelenskyy indicated that China was supplying arms to Russia, a claim China strongly denied, according to SCMP and Reuters.

During the press conference, Zelenskyy announced that he had directed officials to share findings with the Chinese government, emphasizing concerns over the activities of Chinese nationals within Russia’s military production. He argued that these individuals might have reached agreements with Russia “outside of agreements with the Chinese leadership,” implying a lack of awareness or consent from Beijing, according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.

In response to these accusations, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador, Ma Shengkun, to present evidence related to these allegations. Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis highlighted serious concerns regarding the participation of Chinese citizens in hostilities, which contradict the spirit of partnership between Ukraine and China. Evidence reportedly gathered by Ukrainian special services was shared during this meeting, according to Channel News Asia and TRT Global.

Moreover, Zelenskyy mentioned that at least 155 Chinese nationals were fighting alongside Russian forces, with two recently detained by Ukrainian authorities. These claims come amidst an escalating diplomatic tension as Ukraine urges China to cease any support for Russia’s military efforts, which Beijing has consistently denied. China has called the assertions from Ukraine "irresponsible" and reasserted its neutral stance, according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.