Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and China’s Xi Jinping spoke by phone Wednesday — their first conversation since Russia invaded Ukraine 14 months ago and a signal that Beijing may be angling to play a mediatory role.
, have implored China to get more involved, taking advantage of its position as a rare country with some sway over Moscow.
During his three-day visit to Beijing earlier this month, Macron told Xi, “I know I can count on you to bring Russia to its senses and everyone to the negotiating table.”Wednesday’s phone conversation was a diplomatic victory for Ukraine after Zelensky’s public calls to speak with Xi, following the Chinese leader’s visit to Moscow.
“The very fact of a conversation is important but the functionality for Ukraine is limited because we cannot look for a full and deep partnership there,” said Kyiv-based political analyst Mykola Davydiuk. “Ukraine’s main message: no Chinese intervention in the war on the side of the Russian Federation.
Asked about the possibility of China brokering a settlement between Kyiv and Moscow, John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, said that any deal must be one that Zelensky accepts. “The only settlement that we think is worth pursuing is one that President Zelensky thinks is worth pursuing,” Kirby said.
Ukraine repeatedly has rejected any calls for negotiations or a cease-fire with Russia, fearing that the latter would just give Russian forces time to rearm for another attack and would pause the conflict with Moscow’s forces occupying roughly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
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