Ukraine Accuses China of Supplying Arms, US Officials Seek Peace in Paris

Ukraine has received information indicating that China is supplying weapons to Russia, including gunpowder and artillery, according to President Zelensky. Furthermore, China is reportedly producing weapons within the Russian Federation. Zelensky stated that during a conversation with the Chinese leader, assurances were given that no weapons would be provided. However, this is not what Ukraine is seeing.

US Secretary of State Rubio and Trump's special envoy Whitkoff are currently in Paris with the stated goal of finding a resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian war, as per the State Department. Meetings are taking place in France, involving US representatives and their counterparts from the British, French, German, and Ukrainian teams.

President Zelensky has responded to the US special representative's comments regarding the "five territories," stating that Mr. Witkoff has adopted the Russian side's strategy. Zelensky emphasized that discussions should focus on an unconditional ceasefire before addressing territorial matters. He expressed his confusion regarding Witkoff's mandate to discuss Ukrainian territories, considering them Ukrainian territory. Zelensky views these narratives as echoing Putin's rhetoric.

Regarding Trump's comments about the Russian strike on Sumy potentially being a "mistake," Zelensky called it "murder." He explained that the strike was directed at the city center, not the front lines, and therefore cannot be excused as a mistake.

In a separate exchange, a journalist questioned Trump about the rising prices faced by Americans and how long this economic strain would last. Trump responded by stating that improvements are already being seen.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Rubio. The Secretary of State briefed the Minister on the contacts he and Witkoff had with representatives of Ukraine, France, and other European countries. These contacts were in line with the topics of consultations held between Washington and Moscow, including Putin's recent conversation with Witkoff in St. Petersburg. Lavrov confirmed Moscow's willingness to continue working with American colleagues to eliminate the root causes of the Ukrainian war.

The Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Yermak, stated that they agreed that a complete and unconditional ceasefire should be the first step towards lasting peace in Ukraine. They exchanged views on the practical implementation of this stage. Ukraine reiterated its commitment to peace efforts with the United States, European, and other partners, and its desire to end the war as soon as possible. They emphasized the need for a complete ceasefire, as agreed upon on March 11 in Jeddah.