Zelensky since Russian invasion

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China’s President Xi Jinping and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday spoke for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the Chinese leader calling for “seizing the opportunity” for a political settlement.

Mr. Xi once again referred to the peace proposal put forward by China in February, on the one year-anniversary of the invasion. He also announced that China “will send the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs to Ukraine and other countries to have in-depth communication with all parties on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.”

In Beijing’s readout of Mr. Xi’s remarks, there was no mention of Russia. Indeed, Beijing’s proximity to Moscow – and recent declarations by both sides of relations being at “the best period in history” – has dampened any Western expectations of Beijing fulfilling a role as a credible mediator.

Chinese officials and experts have, however, talked up Beijing’s ability to broker a political settlement, particularly in the wake of China’s role in the landmark Saudi-Iran deal.

With rational thinking and voices now on the rise, it is important to seize the opportunity and build up favourable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis,” Mr. Xi told Mr. Zelensky, calling on “all parties…to seriously reflect on the Ukraine crisis and jointly explore ways to bring lasting peace and security to Europe through dialogue.” “China will continue to facilitate talks for peace and make its efforts for early ceasefire and restoration of peace,” he said.

The Ukraine President, in a tweet, didn’t mention Beijing’s efforts at mediation, saying he “had a long and meaningful phone call with President Xi Jinping”. “I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine’s ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations,” he said.

Mr. Xi, in the call, referred to Beijing’s position paper on the political settlement of the crisis, which called on all parties to support Russia and Ukraine in reaching “a comprehensive ceasefire”.

The paper reflected Beijing’s dual-track approach of, on the one hand, saying it supported the “sovereignty” of all countries and on the other criticising the West and NATO while defending “legitimate” Russian security concerns.

The much-awaited first phone call had been expected after the Foreign Ministers of the two countries spoke last month. The new Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, said then that Beijing was “concerned that the crisis has dragged on and escalated and may even spiral out of control, and hopes that the relevant parties will stay cool-headed and rational, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible, and return to the track of political settlement.”