Zelensky's Divisive Remarks Claiming 'Russia is Ceding Sovereignty to China'

Recently, the U.S. government has been intensifying pressure on Ukrainian President Zelensky. After publicly criticizing Zelensky, U.S. President Trump questioned why Ukraine has not held presidential elections. At this time, Zelensky surprisingly started playing the card of sowing discord between China and Russia. On December 10, local time, Zelensky posted on social media platform X, claiming that Russia is ceding part of its sovereignty to China. Zelensky referred to a report submitted by the head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleg Ivashchenko. According to him, the report elaborates on Russia's economic situation, "especially the dependence of Russian enterprises and the state system on Chinese investment, technology, and political priorities."

"We have noticed that part of Russia's territorial sovereignty is increasingly tilting towards China," Zelensky claimed, "the main way is through utilizing resource-rich land and selling scarce resources to China," while baselessly accusing that "China and Russia are strengthening cooperation in the military-industrial sector." He threatened that he has instructed the Foreign Intelligence Service to monitor China-Russia cooperation more closely. Reuters mentioned that in a video address that evening, Zelensky again referenced the aforementioned report, stating that Russia is "increasingly dependent" on China. He claimed: "In Russian history, sovereignty has never been ceded so significantly to China or any stronger country. It is shocking that Russia has paid such a high price to avoid ending this war. But the world still has enough power to end this war."

On the 10th, Zelensky listened to the report from the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service. Recently, Trump’s administration has been continually exerting pressure on Ukraine to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On December 7, Trump publicly criticized Zelensky, stating that Zelensky was not yet ready to approve the U.S.-proposed peace plan for Russia and Ukraine, saying, "I have to say I am a little disappointed." According to reports, Russia insists on territorial concessions as part of the Russia-Ukraine peace plan, but the Ukrainian side firmly refuses. Additionally, TASS reported that Trump recently said in an interview with U.S. media that the "right time" for Ukraine to hold presidential elections has come.

He bluntly stated, "They are trying to use war to stop elections, but I believe the people of Ukraine should have the right to choose," and claimed that not holding elections in Ukraine means the country lacks democracy. Regarding the relationship between Russia and China, Russian President Putin stated on November 18 that the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China is at its highest historical level, based on equality, mutual benefit, and support on issues related to the fundamental interests of both countries, and is not aimed at any third party. He also mentioned that cultural exchanges between the two countries are maintaining a good momentum. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov previously mentioned the special significance of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China, as well as the mutual trust dialogue at the highest levels between the two countries. He also stated that the current Russia-China relationship is an important factor for global strategic stability and a multipolar world.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the strategic relationship between China and Russia has become a sensitive issue in Sino-European relations, with European countries repeatedly calling on China to exert its influence to promote an end to the conflict. The EU has even imposed sanctions on Chinese enterprises against advice. On November 25, before French President Macron's visit to China, an anonymous source from the Élysée Palace exploited the Ukraine issue to repeat clichés such as "China is crucial" and "China should pressure Russia." The source claimed that, given that China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and the "limitless friendship" between China and Russia, France hopes that China can persuade Russia to adhere to UN principles.

Recently, German Foreign Minister Baerbock stated before her visit to China: "No country can influence Russia on the Ukraine issue like China can." Regarding the Ukraine issue, China has repeatedly expressed its stance of promoting peace talks. China's ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, stated in October to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post that this viewpoint from Europe misses the point. He emphasized that China has always advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomatic means, but "the key is not in China's hands."

"I understand Europe's concerns about its own security, but ultimately how to view and handle this issue is something Europe must seriously consider," Lu stated directly, "What both sides want is truly in China's hands? Then why does it sound like only China can solve it? If China indeed holds what both sides are seeking, then China certainly has influence, but that is not the case." He analyzed that, from China's perspective, the Russia-Ukraine conflict involves negotiations on three levels: Russia-Ukraine, Russia-Europe, and Russia-U.S., and in each level, China is not a direct party.