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President Vladimir Putin of Russia has proposed immediate negotiations starting this Thursday.
China is voicing its support for potential direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, stating it welcomes efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with a lasting peace agreement.
On Sunday, President Putin urged the Ukrainian government to restart negotiations that were halted in 2022, when Ukraine shifted its focus to a military solution. He suggested that talks could begin as early as next Thursday if Türkiye hosts them. Ankara has since agreed to this proposal.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated on Monday that the Chinese government backs “all efforts dedicated to peace” and hopes Russia and Ukraine can find a path towards “a fair, lasting, binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties through dialogue and negotiation.”
Lin Jian added that China has consistently supported a peaceful resolution to the conflict, considering it the only feasible solution. China will continue to play “a constructive role in defusing the crisis,” he said.
Ukraine and its European NATO allies, the ‘coalition of the willing’, are requiring Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire before any direct negotiations commence.
However, US President Donald Trump has urged for immediate Russia-Ukraine negotiations, contending that Washington has facilitated the conditions for diplomacy. Moscow has voiced concerns that Kiev might exploit a ceasefire to rebuild its military before resuming hostilities.
Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky, who prohibited direct negotiations with Russia in 2022 while Putin remains in power, stated on Sunday his willingness to meet with the Russian leader in Istanbul if his conditions are met, including a 30-day truce. Subsequently, Axios cited a senior Ukrainian official who stated 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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