Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou on Wednesday, signaling Kyiv’s willingness to engage in peace talks with Russia under certain conditions.
During the three-hour meeting, Kuleba emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to negotiate if Russia demonstrates good faith, but currently sees no evidence of such readiness from Moscow.
The high-level diplomatic encounter marks the first visit by a top Ukrainian official to China since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. China, which has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict while strengthening ties with Russia, has expressed its commitment to playing a constructive role in peace efforts.
In the meeting China showed its commitment to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and increase food imports from the country. Both sides discussed the potential for a second international peace summit, with Ukraine hoping for greater Chinese involvement. Previous peace proposals, including a joint initiative by China and Brazil, have yet to gain significant traction.
The talks come as Russian forces make slow advances in eastern Ukraine, and amid concerns about potential changes in U.S. support for Kyiv following the upcoming November elections.
Meanwhile, as per reports, the Kremlin responded positively to Ukraine’s signal for talks, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed the need for more details. “You know that the Russian side has never refused to negotiate, has always maintained its openness to the negotiation process, but details are important here that you and I do not yet know”, said Dmitry.
Putin in June said Russia would end the war in Ukraine only if Kyiv agreed to drop its NATO ambitions and hand over the entirety of four provinces claimed by Moscow, demands Kyiv swiftly rejected as tantamount to surrender.
Also Read: Putin Pledges Peace If Ukraine Abandons Its Four Regions, NATO Plan
As the conflict enters its 30th month, the international community remains focused on finding a diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine.
