Zelensky believes Trump could change China's stance on the war in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he believes US President Donald Trump could persuade Chinese President Xi Jinping to change his stance on Russia's war against Ukraine. China has so far shown no interest in ending the war.

After meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Zelensky told Fox News that China plays a key role. While India is “largely on Ukraine's side,” according to Zelensky, Beijing is more difficult to influence as it continues to support Russia's position.

He emphasized not losing India, but deepening relations in order to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

The US has long criticized both China and India for buying Russian oil and thus indirectly supporting Moscow. According to media reports, Trump even called on the EU to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese products in order to stop imports of Russian energy.

Despite all the tensions, Zelensky was pleasantly surprised by Trump's recent statements that Kiev could recapture all Russian-occupied territories with European support.

(reuters, est)