Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned of increasing military-industrial cooperation between Russia and China, amid deepening strategic ties that have grown since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Ukraine Intelligence Flags Deepening Ties

In a statement on social media, Zelenskyy referenced a report from Kyiv’s foreign intelligence, noting Russia’s reliance on Chinese investment, technology, and political support.

• Beijing and Moscow are reportedly ramping up military-industrial cooperation.
• Ukraine’s intelligence service has been tasked with closely monitoring these developments and their potential impact on Ukraine and Western allies.
• The report also highlighted a trend of “de-sovereignisation” of parts of Russian territory in favor of China, primarily through resource access and sales of strategic materials.

“Global security must not be undermined because Russia’s appetite for aggression remains unabated,” Zelenskyy said.

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Russia-China Relations Strengthened Since 2022

Despite claiming neutrality in the conflict, China has drawn closer to Russia:

• In September, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin outlined their vision for a new, multilateral international order at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
• In November, Xi pledged to expand investment and economic cooperation, highlighting industries including aerospace, energy, agriculture, and the digital economy.
• Russian reliance on China has increased as Beijing helps blunt the impact of Western sanctions.

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Ukraine’s Post-War Recovery Discussions with the US

Zelenskyy also discussed Ukraine’s post-war recovery plans with US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and private-sector leaders like Larry Fink of BlackRock.

• The talks focused on a 20-point “fundamental document” for Ukraine’s economic recovery.
• Zelenskyy stressed that security is the prerequisite for economic growth.
• Discussions with Western allies, including Britain, France, and Germany, are ongoing as part of a “Coalition of the Willing” supporting Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

Zelenskyy emphasized readiness for elections within three months if security can be guaranteed during wartime and electoral laws are adapted.

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Ongoing Hostilities in Ukraine

Despite diplomatic efforts, the battlefield situation remains tense:

• In Russian-held Kherson, Ukrainian shelling of a hospital killed three people and wounded two.
• Russian drones struck the gas transport system in southern Odesa.
• Fighting continues in Pokrovsk, eastern Donbas, where Ukrainian forces are fending off a mechanized assault.

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Global Implications

Zelenskyy’s warnings underline growing concerns about Russia-China strategic alignment:

• Potential military-industrial coordination could shift the balance of power in Europe and beyond.
• Western allies are closely watching economic, technological, and security ties between the two nations.
• Coordination within Ukraine’s reconstruction and security planning remains a priority to prevent further destabilization.