China last year issued a 12-point statement outlining general principles for ending the war — including “abandoning the Cold War mentality” and resuming peace talks — which U.S. and EU officials have dismissed as an attempt to distract from its pro-Russia stance. Xi recently expanded on his principles for achieving peace in talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Putin said China’s contribution showed it understands the roots of the Ukraine crisis and its geopolitical impact and sincerely wants to achieve peace, according to Xinhua’s English-language account of the interview.
“We have never refused to negotiate,” Putin said. “We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means. We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours.”
Moscow has turned to Beijing as a vital economic lifeline following sanctions imposed by the West over the invasion, with China exporting materials that have allowed Russia to rebuild depleted arsenal.
