Beijing warns Russia against nuclear escalation in Ukraine, Zelenskyy says

Beijing's response to Russia's nuclear rhetoric

According to Zelenskyy, China was one of the key topics during his talks with Trump at the summit. The US and Ukrainian presidents discussed Beijing's role in the war, its possible involvement, and its potential influence on the course of the conflict.

Zelenskyy said he preferred to keep the details of that part of the conversation between himself and Trump.

At the same time, he noted that several European leaders told him on the sidelines of the summit about their own contacts with Chinese officials.

Beijing reportedly reacted very sharply to discussions in Russian media about the possible use of nuclear weapons in response to Ukrainian military strikes.

"It is very important to emphasize that not only Europeans, not only the United States, but also China reacted. And it seems to me that this is the first time they have responded so clearly and so firmly — as I was told, in an ultimatum-like manner — that there can be no discussion whatsoever of using nuclear weapons," Zelenskyy said.

Three key topics at the summit

According to the president, the three most actively discussed issues at the NATO summit in Ankara were Ukraine, the Middle East, and China.

Zelenskyy added that the situation regarding Beijing's role in ending the war in Ukraine has "changed somewhat," with European partners reporting that China has taken a noticeably tougher stance than before.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8. One of the key topics of their talks was strengthening Ukraine's air defense and licensing the production of Patriot systems.

The summit itself adopted a declaration allocating €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2026, with the same amount planned for 2027.

According to the Financial Times, Trump unexpectedly changed his tone toward Ukraine in Ankara. European diplomats reportedly summed it up simply, "Trump likes winners."