If China backs Russia…: Ukraine’s Zelensky warns of dire ‘world war’ | World News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned China against backing Russia in a war in Ukraine, saying doing so would spark a world war.

“It is important for us that China does not support the Russian Federation in this war. In fact, I would like it to be on our side,” Zelensky told German daily Die Welt.

“However, at the moment I don’t think that’s possible. But I do see an opportunity for China to make a pragmatic assessment of what’s going on here,” he further said.

“Because if China were allied with Russia, there would be a world war, and I do think China realizes that,” he added.

read more: Biden makes surprise visit to Kiev, says $500 million in arms and ammunition for Ukraine

The comments came as U.S. President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Ukraine, where he met with Zelensky and expressed solidarity ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country. Joe Biden spent more than five hours in Kiev, recalling fears that Russia might take over the city nearly a year ago.

“One year later, Kiev stands up. Ukraine stands up. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, the world stands with you,” Joe Biden said.

“The price Ukraine has to pay is very high. The sacrifice is too great. We know the days, weeks and years ahead will be very difficult. But Russia’s goal is to wipe Ukraine off the map. Putin’s war of conquest is failing ,” Joe Biden added.

About Russian President Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden said, “He’s counting on us not to stick together. He thinks he can outlive us. I don’t think he’s thinking about that right now. God knows what he’s thinking , but I don’t think he’s thinking that. But he’s totally wrong. Totally wrong.”