President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the United States and China to provide stronger military and political support during a video address on Monday [1].

The appeal comes as Ukraine seeks to broaden its international coalition to increase pressure on Moscow and secure critical defense infrastructure. Zelenskyy said that the current conflict continues to threaten the nation's survival, making international cooperation essential for a sustainable peace.

Marking 35 years of independence [1], Zelenskyy spoke from the presidential office in Kyiv. He said China should join the existing sanctions regime against Russia to limit Moscow's economic capabilities [2].

"We will not accept peace at any price; we need the United States and China to stand with us against Russian aggression," Zelenskyy said [1].

The president also addressed the need for immediate military hardware. He said that the delivery of air-defence systems is a priority for protecting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure [3].

"Our air‑defence needs are urgent – we cannot wait any longer for additional systems," Zelenskyy said [3].

While Zelenskyy noted that a shift in the U.S. position on Russia is encouraging, he said that the global response must be more comprehensive [2]. The address took place as dozens of foreign leaders, including approximately 30 to 40 officials, convened in the capital [3]. Among the visiting dignitaries was UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham [1].

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine remains committed to its sovereignty and will not accept terms that compromise its independence. He said that a wider coalition is the only way to ensure Russia ceases its aggression [1].

"The shift in the U.S. position on Russia is encouraging, but we also need China to join the sanctions regime," Zelenskyy said [2].

“"We will not accept peace at any price; we need the United States and China to stand with us against Russian aggression."”

By explicitly targeting China in his Independence Day address, Zelenskyy is attempting to break the diplomatic stalemate between Beijing and the West. The request for China to join sanctions suggests that Kyiv views Beijing's neutrality as a primary obstacle to ending the war. Furthermore, the urgent plea for air-defence systems indicates a critical vulnerability in Ukraine's current shield against Russian aerial campaigns.