Mr. Zelensky said China prevented countries from attending the peace conference.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a leading Asian security conference in Singapore on June 2, Zelensky said China was pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the upcoming talks, but did not specify which countries.

"Russia, using China's influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats as well, is doing everything to obstruct the peace summit," President Zelensky said at a press conference at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Switzerland confirmed earlier this month that it had sent invitations to more than 100 countries for a peace summit on Ukraine on June 15-16 in the resort of Burgenstock. According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, the conference aims to create a favorable framework for a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as a concrete roadmap for Russia’s participation in the peace process.

However, Russia was not invited to attend. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on May 31 that Beijing would not attend the Ukraine peace conference because it did not meet their expectations.

China has also taken what it calls a neutral stance in the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, its trade with Russia has grown, cushioning the economic impact of Western sanctions against Moscow.

US, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies have accused China of supplying equipment to produce military weapons to Russia, but both Moscow and Beijing have denied it.

Switzerland had hoped China would attend the upcoming peace conference but Beijing called for a peace conference with equal participation of all parties, including Russia.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on President Zelensky's statements.