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Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for unconditional negotiations to begin on Thursday
Beijing has voiced support for renewed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The statement follows a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin for negotiations to begin as early as Thursday, and an offer from Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky to appear in person at the negotiations.
Putin on Sunday urged Kiev to resume talks suspended in 2022, stating that discussions could take place in Türkiye, which Ankara has reportedly agreed to host.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday that China supports “all efforts dedicated to peace” and hopes both sides can reach a “fair, lasting, binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties” through negotiation.
Lin added that Beijing has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and would continue to play “a constructive role in defusing the crisis.”
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.
