Xi Holds First Talks With Zelensky Since Russian Invasion

Chinese President Xi Jinping Speaks to Ukrainian President Zelenskiy for the First Time Since Russia’s Invasion

After months of public requests from Kyiv, Chinese President Xi Jinping finally spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The hour-long phone call was described by Zelenskiy as “long and meaningful,” and he signaled the importance of the chance to open closer relations with Russia’s most powerful friend.

China’s Commitment to Peace Talks

During the call, Xi Jinping told Zelenskiy that China would send special representatives to Ukraine and hold talks with all parties seeking peace. Zelenskiy said in an evening video address that there was “an opportunity to use China’s political power to reinforce the principles and rules that peace should be built upon.” China will focus on promoting peace talks and make efforts for a ceasefire as soon as possible, Xi Jinping told Zelenskiy, according to Chinese state media reports.

Words of Support for Ukraine

Zelenskiy also said that Xi Jinping had expressed “words of support” for the extension of a deal to export Ukrainian grain from its Black Sea ports. Moscow has said the pact will not be renewed beyond May 18 unless the West removes obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports.

China’s Role in the Ukraine Conflict

Xi Jinping is the most powerful leader to have refrained from denouncing Russia’s invasion, and he visited Moscow last month. Since February, he has promoted a 12-point peace plan, greeted skeptically by the West but cautiously welcomed by Kyiv as a sign of Chinese interest in ending the war.

Ukrainian officials have long urged Beijing to use its influence in Russia to help end the war. Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a “no limits” partnership agreement weeks before Putin ordered the invasion. Since then, China has denounced sanctions against Moscow but has held back from openly supporting the invasion. China has also become Russia’s biggest economic partner, buying up oil that can no longer be sold in Europe.

China’s Position on the Conflict

China says it is positioned to help mediate because it has not taken sides. “What China has done to help resolve the Ukraine crisis has been above board,” said Yu Jun, deputy head of the foreign ministry’s Eurasian department.

Western countries say China’s peace proposal is too vague, offers no concrete path out of the war, and could be used by Putin to promote a truce that would leave his forces in control of occupied territory while they regroup.

The White House welcomed the call but said it was too soon to tell whether it would lead to a peace deal.

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Susan Heavey and David Brunnstrom in Washington, Michel Rose in Paris, David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Ron Popeski in Winnipeg; Writing by Peter Graff; Editing by Alex Richardson and Rosalba O’Brien)