Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, visiting China, met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou on Wednesday, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Kuleba informed his Chinese counterpart of "Kyiv's readiness for talks with Russia if it is willing to negotiate in good faith." On Tuesday, Kuleba, in his first visit by a Ukrainian official at this level to China since the Russian invasion in February 2022, called for "direct dialogue" on ways to end the war.
Despite its close economic, diplomatic, and military ties with Moscow, which have been further strengthened since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory in February 2022, China presents itself as a mediator and accuses the West of "pouring oil on the fire" by arming Kyiv. Kuleba wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, "In-depth, detailed, and substantive discussions are planned with my Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on ways to achieve a just peace." He added, "We must avoid competition between peace plans. It is critical for Kyiv and Beijing to engage in direct dialogue and exchange their positions."
Kuleba's visit comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opened the door for talks with Russia for the first time and expressed support for Moscow's participation in a future peace summit. The first summit was held in mid-June in Switzerland with dozens of countries present, but Russia was not invited, and China opted not to participate, deeming the summit unlikely to make progress. The Asian giant, like Russia, aims to establish a counterweight to U.S. influence, has never expressed condemnation of the Russian invasion, and accuses NATO of neglecting Moscow's security concerns. However, China also called last year for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine.
