Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered unconditional negotiations to begin on Thursday
China has expressed support for proposed direct talks between Moscow and Kiev, saying it welcomes all efforts aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict with a lasting peace settlement.
On early Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Ukrainian government to resume the negotiations it withdrew from in 2022 to instead pursue a military victory. He said a meeting could be organized as soon as next Thursday if Türkiye agrees to host the talks. Ankara has since agreed.
The Chinese government supports “all efforts dedicated to peace” and hopes that Russia and Ukraine find a path towards “a fair, lasting, binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties through dialogue and negotiation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Monday.
The official added that Beijing has always advocated a peaceful resolution of the conflict, viewing it as the only viable way out. Beijing will continue to play “a constructive role in defusing the crisis,” he said.
Ukraine and the European NATO members that make up the ‘coalition of the willing’ have demanded that Russia agree to a 30-day truce before any direct negotiations take place.
US President Donald Trump, however, has called for Russia-Ukraine negotiations to start as soon as possible, arguing that Washington has done its part in creating the conditions for diplomacy. Moscow has expressed concern that Kiev would use a ceasefire to reconstitute its military forces before renewing hostilities.
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, who banned direct negotiations with Russia in 2022 as long as Putin remains in office, said on Sunday that he is willing to meet with the Russian leader in Istanbul if his conditions – including a 30-day truce – are met. Axios subsequently cited a senior Ukrainian official who said Zelensky will be present in Türkiye on Thursday even if Russia does not announce a ceasefire on Monday, as Kiev has demanded.
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