Russia–Ukraine War and China

At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China 'could call Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow,' accusing Beijing of enabling Russia’s invasion by buying its oil and gas and supplying dual‑use technology critical for weapons production. His comments came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the conference sidelines and pledged new 'humanitarian energy assistance' to help Ukraine repair power infrastructure repeatedly struck by Russian missiles and drones. Kyiv and Beijing both described the meeting as focused on peace efforts and support for Ukraine’s energy system, though China has not disclosed the size or scope of the aid. Trade data cited at the conference show China has again become Russia’s largest crude buyer, taking about 1.65 million barrels a day in January — the highest since March 2024 — providing Moscow with a vital revenue stream even as Western sanctions and price caps try to choke off war financing. The juxtaposition highlights a growing U.S. push to portray China as Russia’s key external lifeline, even as Beijing tries to cast itself as a neutral actor offering humanitarian help and brokering peace.