Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused China of aiding Russia to disrupt upcoming Swiss Peace Summit

SINGAPORE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China on Sunday (2 June) of aiding Russia in its efforts to disrupt an upcoming Swiss-organized peace conference on the war in Ukraine.

During his speech at Asia’s premier security conference, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Zelenskyy stated that China is pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the upcoming talks, although he did not specify which countries.

“Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit,” Zelenskyy said at a news conference at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore.

“Regrettably this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin.”

According to US, Ukrainian, and other intelligence agencies, there is evidence that Chinese components are ending up in Russian weaponry, even though China is not directly arming its neighbor.

The Swiss had hoped China would attend the peace conference in mid-June.

Last Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning indicated that it was unlikely. China has called for a peace conference with equal participation from all sides, including Russia, which has not been invited.

President Zelenskyy also accused China of exerting pressure on other countries to disrupt the Swiss-organized peace conference on the Ukraine war.

He stated, “That is not only support to Russia, that is basically support of war.”

Zelenskyy on strengthening Ukraine’s defence via diplomacy

In a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Zelenskyy urged top defence officials to attend the upcoming talks in Switzerland, expressing disappointment at some countries’ reluctance to commit.

“We are disappointed that some world leaders have not yet confirmed their participation in the Peace Summit. Unfortunately, there are also attempts to disrupt the Summit. ”

“We do not want to believe that this is a desire for monopolistic power in the world – to deny the global community the opportunity to decide on war and peace and to leave this power in the hands of one or two.”

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu spoke before Zelenskyy at the conference but did not seem to be present when Zelenskyy made his appeal. Li did not mention the Swiss meetings in his speech but emphasized that China has been promoting peace talks with a responsible attitude.

He asserted that China has not supplied weapons to either side of the conflict, stating, “We have never done anything to fan the flames. We stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue.”

Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine had proposals to present at the summit, focusing on nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

He stressed the urgency, saying, “Time is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland.”

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s openness to hearing various proposals and thoughts that could lead to an end of the war and a sustainable, just peace. He highlighted that greater participation in the Swiss-organized peace conference increases the likelihood that Russia will have to listen to the international community. “The global majority can ensure with their involvement that what is agreed upon is truly implemented,” he said.

Singapore Defence Minister highlights support for Ukraine

Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who appeared on stage with Zelenskyy, did not confirm if Singapore’s leaders would attend the peace talks.

However, he highlighted Singapore’s condemnation of the invasion and its provision of military ambulances to Ukraine.

“We stand with you, and I think your appearance at this Shangri-La Dialogue is the epitome of what we are all hoping for, a rules-based order that guarantees the security and survival of large nations and small.”

Later, in remarks to reporters, Dr Ng mentioned that, in principle, he saw no reason for Singapore not to attend the peace talks.

He clarified that the decision would be made by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, seated in the front row during Zelenskyy’s speech, addressed the conference on Saturday.

He stated, “Putin’s war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want.”

Austin praised the courage of Ukraine’s troops and the resilience of its people, adding, “People around the world have rushed to help Ukraine defend itself, including countries across the Indo-Pacific.”

During his meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sunday, President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Singapore’s steadfast and decisive support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He also appreciated Singapore’s assistance in addressing the humanitarian impacts of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the sanctions imposed against Russia.

In addition to these discussions, Singapore and Ukraine signed an agreement to enhance air links between the two countries.

The Ukraine-Singapore Air Services Agreement, signed on 2 June, allows airlines from both nations to operate unlimited frequencies of passenger and cargo services between Singapore and any point in Ukraine, without restrictions on capacity, routing, and aircraft type.

At a separate meeting with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Zelenskyy and Tharman reaffirmed the warm and friendly ties between Singapore and Ukraine.

They also engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on global developments, agreeing on the importance of adhering to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

During his discussions with PM Wong, Zelenskyy also explored potential areas for deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and economic relations.