In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that China is allegedly supplying weapons to Russia. This assertion was made during a press briefing where Zelenskyy referenced reports from Ukrainian security and intelligence agencies, claiming that Chinese representatives are not only providing gunpowder and artillery but are also involved in the production of certain weapons on Russian territory. We are ready to speak in detail about this, Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing that Ukraine anticipates sharing documentation to substantiate these claims as early as next week.

We have finally received information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation. We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on Russian territory We see the cooperation between these two countries in this area, and we must acknowledge it is happening, Zelenskyy continued. However, the Associated Press has reported that it could not independently verify the accuracy of Zelenskyy's statement. As of now, there has been no response from Chinese officials concerning these latest allegations. It is worth noting that Beijing has consistently denied any involvement in supplying arms to Russia against Ukraine's interests.

During the same press conference, Zelenskyy also addressed the pattern of Russian military strikes, indicating a strategic shift in their approach. He highlighted that while the frequency of attacks targeting Ukrainian energy facilities has decreased, there has been a marked increase in assaults on civilian infrastructure. They reduced their strikes on energy. Thats a fact. But I wanted us to pay attention to this Russia did not reduce the number of strikes, that was the strategy by reducing [strikes on] energy, they are hitting other civilian infrastructure, Zelenskyy explained, reinforcing the notion that the threat to Ukraine remains significant.

On the diplomatic front, Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, accused Ukraine of failing to observe the energy ceasefire during a recent security council meeting. Following the discussions, a joint statement was issued by representatives from Slovenia, Denmark, France, Greece, and Britain, urging Russia to engage in a full and unconditional ceasefire. Slovenias UN ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, remarked, Ukraine wants peace, and has demonstrated this by agreeing to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire five weeks ago. At the consultations today, Russia again rejected the comprehensive ceasefire and refused to make its first step towards peace.

In a related development, Ukraines economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, announced on Thursday that Kyiv had signed a memorandum of intent with Washington concerning the establishment of an investment fund aimed at the reconstruction of Ukraine. This initiative comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that a deal regarding minerals would be signed the following Thursday. The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, confirmed to AFP that this deal is targeted for completion by April 26.

Additionally, top negotiators from the E3 groupingcomprising Britain, France, and Germanyare set to reconvene in London next week with their U.S. counterparts. This meeting follows a series of discussions where Donald Trumps envoys met with European foreign ministers to address ceasefire efforts. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remarked, Whats new is that the United States, Ukraine and the Europeans met around the same table, highlighting the collaborative approach being pursued to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.