Lavrov, when meeting Chinese envoy Li Hui in Moscow, hailed Beijing’s “positive” role in trying to persuade Moscow and Kyiv to come to the negotiating table.
“The Minister reiterated Moscow’s commitment to a politico-diplomatic solution to the conflict, noting that there are serious obstacles emanating from Ukraine and its Western supporters to the resumption of peace negotiations,” he said. the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The statement added, “Lavrov expressed his gratitude to China for its balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis, and his deep appreciation for Beijing’s willingness to play a positive role in its settlement.”
What is China doing?
• Chinese envoy Li Hui, who previously served as Beijing’s ambassador to Moscow, toured Europe a week ago.
• When the Chinese envoy visited Kiev earlier this month, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed the need to “respect the territorial integrity” of Ukraine.
• During his visit to Germany, the German government asked the Beijing envoy to “put pressure” on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.
• Russia and China enjoy close relations and Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow in March, declaring that relations between the two countries are “entering a new era”.
• China claims to be neutral in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, but has been criticized for refusing to condemn Russian military operations.
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