Despite maintaining close economic ties with Russia during Moscow's three-year war in Ukraine, China has sought to project an image of neutrality and denies any involvement in the war. Friday's disclaimer followed Zelenskiy's remarks at a press conference the previous day that China was supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia,

China refuted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's accusation of supplying lethal weapons to Russia, asserting its neutrality and adherence to controlling dual-use items. Zelenskyy claimed Ukraine has intelligence indicating Chinese involvement in weapons production within Russia and the presence of Chinese nationals collaborating with Russian forces.