Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with Zelensky

Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. About it informs Chinese edition of Xinhua.

The details of the conversation were not disclosed. On Twitter, Zelensky noted that the conversation with the Chinese leader was “long and meaningful.” He expressed confidence that the telephone conversation and the appointment of Ukraine’s ambassador to China would “give a powerful impetus” to the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and China.

China Central Television reports that the leaders discussed bilateral relations and the crisis in Ukraine. “China will resolutely promote the negotiation process and ceasefire as soon as possible,” Xi Jinping said in a statement (quote according to TASS). The Chinese President also stressed that negotiations are the only possible way to resolve the conflict.

Earlier, Zelensky has repeatedly stated his desire to meet and talk with Xi Jinping. The EU and the US have noted that Xi Jinping has never spoken to Zelensky since the beginning of the conflict. Against the background of the Chinese leader’s visit to Russia in March, the West criticized Beijing’s actions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that China “maintains contacts with all parties” to the conflict.

February 24 China introduced his plan to get out of the Ukrainian conflict, which includes 12 points, including respect for the sovereignty of all countries, the cessation of hostilities, the start of peace negotiations, etc. Zelensky said that China’s proposal is more like “expressing thoughts” than a peace plan. He stressed that such an initiative is unrealizable without a clause on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine.

The last time the leaders of the two countries communicated was in early January 2022. Then they exchanged congratulatory telegrams in honor of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.