Ukraine’s foreign minister visit China for a two-day visit aimed at persuading Beijing to lessen its support for Russia and endorse Kyiv’s efforts for a “sustainable” peace.
Dmytro Kuleba’s trip, as stated by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will focus on exploring ways to halt Russian aggression and discuss China’s potential role in achieving a durable and just peace.
China, a close political and economic ally of Moscow, has denied backing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but has also refrained from condemning the war or participating in Ukrainian-led international peace initiatives.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the visit, noting that it was initiated by China’s foreign minister.
Last year, China proposed a “political settlement” to the conflict, which Ukraine rejected, and Western countries warned that the proposal might allow Russia to keep much of the territory it has captured.
During a May visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for China’s plan, calling it a “genuine desire” to end the conflict.
In July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted a peace summit in Switzerland to present his vision for lasting peace. The summit attracted around 100 delegations from various nations and international organizations, though Russia was excluded. Beijing’s refusal to attend the summit led to accusations from Zelenskyy that China was working with Russia to undermine the event.
China has stated that all efforts to support peace should be acknowledged.
Recent months have seen an increase in deadly cross-border missile and drone attacks between Kyiv and Moscow, with both sides primarily targeting energy infrastructure.
Russia frequently announces the interception of Ukrainian drones, which Kyiv asserts are retaliatory measures against Russian attacks on military and civilian targets since Moscow’s special military operation began in February 2022.
