President Vladimir Putin told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Monday that Russia is ready to discuss China’s proposals to end fighting in Ukraine at the start of high-level talks in the Kremlin.
The summit comes at a time when China seeks to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, but Washington warned the world should not be fooled by Beijing’s moves.
Xi’s three-day visit also serves as a show of support for the internationally ostracized Putin, some days after a war crimes tribunal issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of illegally deporting Ukrainian children. Only days later
Putin told the Chinese leader, “We are always ready for talks.”
The United States has accused Beijing of considering arms exports to Moscow – a claim China vehemently denies.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed skepticism over Xi’s Ukraine proposals, warning that they could be a “containment strategy” to help Russia.
“Russia alone can end its war today. Blinken later said in a statement, “Until Russia does, we will stand united with Ukraine.”
‘creative role’
Xi and Putin came together to discuss China’s 12-point position paper on the Ukraine dispute, which includes calls for dialogue and respect for the territorial sovereignty of all countries.
During his initial meeting with Putin, Xi praised “close ties” with Russia and the Russian leader said the two countries have “a lot of common objectives and tasks”.
State news agency RIA Novosti said the talks between the Russian and Chinese leaders lasted four and a half hours.
The two will meet again on Tuesday for formal talks.
Putin has welcomed Beijing’s statements on Ukraine as a sign of willingness to play a “constructive role” in ending the conflict.
But Kiev on Monday reiterated its demand for Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.
“We expect Beijing to use its influence on Moscow to end the war of aggression against Ukraine,” Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolaenko said in comments sent to AFP.
The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group said Monday that his forces control more than two-thirds of the eastern Ukraine town of Bakhmut – the scene of the longest fighting of Russia’s offensive.
Yevgeny Prigozhin said in an open letter to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, “At the moment, Wagner units control about 70 percent of the city of Bakhmut and are continuing operations to complete the liberation of the city.”
A day before Xi’s arrival, an defiant Putin visited the Russian-held Ukrainian city of Mariupol – his first visit to territory captured from Kiev since Moscow’s forces pushed them across the border in February 2022.
‘Objective and fair’
Xi’s visit also comes just days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin on charges of illegally deporting Ukrainian children.
Beijing said on Monday that the ICC should avoid “politicization and double standards” and respect the principle of immunity for heads of state.
Russia said it had launched a criminal investigation against ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, saying he had accused an “innocent known person” of “attacking a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection”. was planning.
Beijing and Moscow have drawn closer in recent years under a partnership that has served as a diplomatic bulwark against the West.
China has criticized what it sees as a US-led pressure campaign against Russia as Moscow’s military effort in Ukraine continues, calling instead for “impartial” mediation of the conflict.
“No single country should dictate the international order,” Xi wrote in a Russian newspaper article published on Monday.
looked closely
Beijing’s stance has drawn criticism from Western countries, who say China is providing diplomatic cover for Moscow’s armed intervention.
He argues that China’s proposals are heavy on grand principles but light on practical solutions.
In Brussels, EU ministers agreed on Monday a two-billion-euro plan to raid their own arsenals and buy ammunition needed by Ukraine.
European defense and foreign ministers backed an initiative aimed at replenishing EU stocks as well as providing Ukraine with one million artillery shells over the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, the United States announced $350 million in new military aid to Ukraine, including ammunition for the Hymers rocket launchers.
Xi’s moves are unlikely to end hostilities, analysts say, but his visit will be closely watched in Western capitals.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that Xi may also be planning his first call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the conflict began.
Zelensky has said he would welcome talks with his Chinese counterpart.
read all Breaking News Here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)