Ukrainian President believes former U.S. President Donald Trump might shift Xi Jinping’s stance as China continues energy support to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Fox News on Tuesday that he believes Donald Trump could play a pivotal role in changing China’s position on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
“I think that President Trump can change the attitude of Xi Jinping to this war, because China, we don’t feel that China wants to finish this war,” Zelenskiy said during an interview on Fox News’ Special Report, following a meeting with Trump at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The U.S. government has repeatedly highlighted China and India for their role in supporting Russia’s war through continued oil purchases. Sources told Reuters that Trump recently urged European Union officials to impose 100% tariffs on China, aiming to deter Russian energy imports. He also suggested similar measures for India.
While the EU has generally preferred sanctions over tariffs, Zelenskiy expressed optimism about India’s support. “I think India is mostly with Ukraine,” he said. He added that the U.S. and European allies could strengthen ties with India to influence its approach to Russian energy.
China’s official stance, however, remains cautious. A Chinese embassy spokesperson emphasized that Beijing is not a party to the conflict and has promoted peace and dialogue. “China has maintained an objective and just stance,” said spokesperson Liu Pengyu. “We call on all relevant parties to adhere to the three principles — no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning of the flames.”
Trump, frustrated with his inability to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine more than three years into the war, expressed confidence in Ukraine’s potential. On Truth Social, he said that with European support, Kyiv could reclaim all its territory, describing Russia’s efforts as “aimless” and highlighting the country’s economic troubles.
Zelenskiy described Trump’s comments as surprising, yet viewed them as a positive signal of U.S. support until the conflict’s resolution.