Ukrainian President Zelensky. AFP=Yonhap News
, ‘ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the 24th (local time) that “China has reaffirmed that it will not supply weapons to Russia.” ‘,
, ‘ President Zelensky said in a video speech on that day, “There was a clear signal that China supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” ‘,
, ‘ Previously, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited China from the 23rd to the 26th of this month and met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang. Ukraine conveyed to China that “Ukraine wants to engage in dialogue and negotiations with Russia and is prepared to do so.” ‘,
, ‘ Despite China’s close ties with both Ukraine and Russia, which are at war following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, their stances differ. However, the reason both countries engaged in dialogue is seen as Ukraine seeking to shape international opinion in favor of peace negotiations with Russia while avoiding a confrontation with China, a major emerging power known as the ‘global South,’ according to Japan’s Asahi Shimbun. China is also said to be portraying an active stance towards peace realization by being conscious of Western criticism that it supports Russia. ‘,
, ‘ Immediately after the meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang also mentioned that “recently, both Ukraine and Russia have signaled different levels of willingness for negotiations,” but he added the condition that “although the conditions and timing are not ripe.” ‘,
, ‘ The Kremlin’s response to Ukraine’s willingness to start peace negotiations was a generic agreement, stating, “It aligns with our position.” While Ukraine insists on the withdrawal of Russian forces, Russia seeks to incorporate the occupied territories into its own country. In fact, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved development projects on the occupied territories such as Donetsk on the 24th (local time), indicating a lack of willingness to compromise on the territorial issue. ‘,
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