Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent out a dire warning on Monday about starting World War III. He focused on what will happen in China and decides to ally with Russia.
These comments from the Ukrainian president came on the heels of President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Kyiv. He arrived just two days after United States intelligence officials revealed that they believe China is considering sending lethal aid to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces.
“For us, it is important that China does not support the Russian Federation in this war,” the Ukrainian president told the German daily Die Welt. In fact, I would like it to be on our side. At the moment, however, I don’t think it’s possible,” Zelensky said.
He added that he does see an opportunity for China to make a “pragmatic assessment” of what is happening on the ground in Ukraine. He said if China does ally itself with Russia there will be a world war and he thinks China is very much aware of that.
Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, warned China on Saturday that there would be consequences if the country sent lethal aid to support Russia in the war. Blinken has been concerned about China getting close to Putin and taking on a larger role in the war.
“We’ve been watching this very, very closely. And, for the most part, China has been engaged in providing rhetorical, political, diplomatic support to Russia, but we have information that gives us concern that they are considering providing lethal support to Russia in the war against Ukraine,” Blinken said.
The United States has pledged nearly $200 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the start of the war. This has included weapons, ammunition, long-range missiles, and tanks.
Chinese companies have helped Russia’s military with navigation equipment, jamming technology, and fighter jet parts.
