Kiev opposes Moscow’s ‘ceasefire’

Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow continues at full speed. Consultations between the Chinese leader and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, continue after the informal meeting between the two presidents, on the day of official talks and signing of trade agreements. The meeting on Monday (March 20th) was the first of a series of discussions between the two leaders during Xi’s three days in the Russian capital.

The day after the first meeting with the Russian President, which lasted for four and a half hours, Xi met face-to-face with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin: “a deep exchange of ideas” and “very serious” talks He described Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov as “Your Opinions” and Putin, China He said that Turkey was ready to discuss the proposal for a political solution to the war in Ukraine. During a face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart and “friend”, Putin promised to “carefully study” China’s “peace” plan, or 12-point programmatic document, in which he promotes respect for the “sovereignty of all countries.” to ensure peace and stability in a multipolar world. Mainly in developing countries and the global South, where Beijing has drawn its attention to bolster strong anti-American rhetoric. Discourse shared with Moscow.

Xi can only expect from Putin general recognition of the principles expressed in the Chinese document, many of which are rejected by Western governments; Kiev, on the other hand, was prudent, probably not to alienate Beijing. And this is despite the fact that China has never condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Xi’s journey is being watched with great attention by the world. But according to analysts, it is unlikely that Xi’s mediation efforts will lead to an end to hostilities in Ukraine.

Beijing has criticized what it sees as a US-imposed campaign of pressure against Russia and has instead called for “neutral” mediation in the conflict. Most European governments have argued that China’s proposals are notable for grand principles, but inadequate and incapable of identifying practical solutions. in short a

The United States said last week that China’s proposals would only reinforce the “conquest of Russia” and allow the Kremlin to prepare a new offensive. “We do not support ceasefire calls at this time,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on March 17.

So, complete shutdown. The United States announced its rejection of a ceasefire proposal stemming from the Moscow summit, which, according to Washington, would serve to confirm Russia’s conquests in Ukrainian territory and freeze the war on the terms Moscow wants. Xi’s visit to Moscow provides a “diplomatic cover” for Russia to continue committing war crimes and suggests that China does not hold Putin responsible for crimes in Ukraine, according to US secretary of state Antony Blinken.

Ukraine responded to criticism from the United States today. Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidential spokesman, Mikhailo Podolyak, said that Kiev is against the ceasefire as it would mean prolonging the conflict. “Make the right conclusions and do not use the word ‘peace’ in the interests of Russia,” Podolyak said. Statements underlining caution and distrust regarding Xi’s visit to Moscow. On the first day of the face-to-face meeting between Xi and Putin, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said that Kiev was “closely” following the Chinese leader’s visit to the Russian capital and asked him to “use his information”. ” Penetrating the head of the Kremlin to persuade it to end the war. The phone call between Xi and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, remains unclear,” the US Wall Street Journal reported on March 13. After the Chinese president greets Putin, he should interview Zelensky, which will be the first direct dialogue between Kiev and Beijing since the beginning of the war.

Beijing’s stance on Ukraine has drawn criticism from Western countries as China tacitly supports Moscow’s armed intervention. But Beijing reiterates that it has never provided weapons to warring parties in the war in Ukraine and warns the United States not to blame China.

NATO offers tougher and more detailed charges. Atlantic Pact general secretary Jens Stoltenberg claims that Russia is asking for weapons from China, but there is currently no evidence that Beijing is supplying arms to Moscow. “Our message to China is that it should not supply Russia with these weapons because it would support an illegal war,” Stoltenberg said.

Source: Today IT

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