Welt: Scholz criticized China’s proposals on Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized China’s proposals to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, since the document does not contain a clause on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of a neighboring country, the Welt newspaper writes.

“From my point of view, there is no clear line that says: Russian troops should also be withdrawn,” Scholz said.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner at the meeting of G20 finance ministers also criticized China for “not condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine,” the newspaper notes. The meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bankers took place on Saturday in India, and in the final document, the presiding country indicated different points of view on the conflict in Ukraine.

On February 24, the Chinese Foreign Ministry published on its website a document reflecting China’s position on resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It consists of 12 points, which include the rejection of the Cold War mentality, the cessation of hostilities and the promotion of a dialogue between Moscow and Kiev, the start of negotiations, the implementation of agreements, the assistance of the international community for the restoration of Ukraine, etc.

Commenting on the document, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the Russian side is open to achieving the goals of the special operation in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means. At the same time, she added that the main obstacle to a peaceful settlement is the legally fixed refusal of the Ukrainian side to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell dismissed China’s proposals on Ukraine as a peace plan, calling it a “position document.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU will study the document proposed by China, but at the same time, Brussels will take into account the friendly relations between Russia and China.

On February 23, the UN General Assembly also adopted a resolution by Ukraine and its allies. According to it, Russia must withdraw its troops from the territory of the country and stop hostilities. Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vasily Nebenzya called the resolution “one-sided and out of touch with reality.” The head of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs and the leader of the LDPR faction, Leonid Slutsky, called the PRC proposal “more balanced”, in contrast to the resolution adopted by the General Assembly.