Ukrainian FM Open to Peace Talks with Russia, China Reports
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has announced that Kiev is ready to hold peace talks with Moscow to end their conflict. Kuleba's statement came during his meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, emphasizing that negotiations should be rational and seek lasting peace. This follows comments by Ukrainian President Zelensky about his desire to end the conflict as soon as possible.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has expressed Kiev's readiness to hold peace talks with Moscow to end the ongoing conflict.
The announcement was made during Kuleba's meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in Beijing—his first visit to China since the conflict began in February 2022.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning indicated that the primary topic was the hostilities between Kiev and Moscow.
Kuleba stressed that negotiations should be rational and aimed at achieving lasting peace.
In response, Wang Yi emphasized the risk of escalation and spillover, asserting that conflicts should eventually return to the negotiation table.
Kuleba's visit follows President Vladimir Zelensky's remarks about wanting to end the conflict 'as soon as possible' and signaled readiness to engage with Russia.
This is despite Zelensky's earlier presidential decree in 2022 banning talks with the current Russian leadership after four Ukrainian regions voted to join Russia.
Recently, Ukraine attended a 'peace summit' in Switzerland, which Moscow did not attend and Beijing shunned, insisting Russia needed to be part of the negotiations.
Kuleba’s comments come as Russian forces continue military advancement in Donbass and other areas.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated Russia's readiness for peace talks once Ukraine withdraws from Donbass and other regions and commits to a neutral status.
The announcement was made during Kuleba's meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in Beijing—his first visit to China since the conflict began in February 2022.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning indicated that the primary topic was the hostilities between Kiev and Moscow.
Kuleba stressed that negotiations should be rational and aimed at achieving lasting peace.
In response, Wang Yi emphasized the risk of escalation and spillover, asserting that conflicts should eventually return to the negotiation table.
Kuleba's visit follows President Vladimir Zelensky's remarks about wanting to end the conflict 'as soon as possible' and signaled readiness to engage with Russia.
This is despite Zelensky's earlier presidential decree in 2022 banning talks with the current Russian leadership after four Ukrainian regions voted to join Russia.
Recently, Ukraine attended a 'peace summit' in Switzerland, which Moscow did not attend and Beijing shunned, insisting Russia needed to be part of the negotiations.
Kuleba’s comments come as Russian forces continue military advancement in Donbass and other areas.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated Russia's readiness for peace talks once Ukraine withdraws from Donbass and other regions and commits to a neutral status.
