KYIV: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is set to embark on a crucial diplomatic mission to China on Tuesday to explore Beijing’s potential role in ending Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Monday.
Kuleba’s visit, scheduled from July 23 to 25, comes at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and marks a significant diplomatic outreach amid Ukraine’s efforts to seek international support in its conflict with Russia, which began with a full-scale invasion nearly 29 months ago.
“The main topic of discussion will be the search for ways to stop Russia’s aggression and China’s possible role in achieving a stable and just peace,” the Ukrainian foreign ministry stated in a release on its official website.
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China, traditionally viewed as a close ally of Russia, has refrained from condemning Moscow’s actions and has maintained a robust economic relationship with Russia, including extensive energy ties. Despite this, Beijing has asserted that its partnership with Russia is not aimed at targeting any third party.
In recent months, various international peace initiatives have emerged as Ukraine continues to endure the conflict, with hopes of progress ahead of significant global events such as the upcoming US presidential election in November.
Ukraine previously hosted an international summit in Switzerland in June, advocating its vision for peace in the region without Russian representation. Building on this effort, Ukrainian authorities now aim to organize another summit in November that would include Russian participation.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of major global powers, including China and Ukraine’s close ally, the United States, in contributing to efforts to end the war. Zelensky has called for China to play a significant role in facilitating a resolution to the conflict.
China and Brazil jointly proposed a six-point peace plan on May 23, supporting the idea of an internationally recognized peace conference involving all parties to the conflict. Notably, China did not participate in Ukraine’s Swiss summit but has expressed a willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
