Ukraine signals for peace talks, aligns with Kremlin amid China diplomacy

Ukraine has signaled its readiness to engage in peace talks with Russia, emphasizing the need for rational and substantive negotiations.

This development emerged from a bilateral meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou.

‘Negotiations should be rational, substantive’

During the talks, Kuleba stressed Ukraine’s willingness to enter a dialogue with Russia, contingent upon Moscow’s demonstration of good faith.

“Of course, the negotiations should be rational and substantive, aiming to achieve a just and lasting peace,” Kuleba stated, according to a readout from China’s Foreign Ministry.

Wang Yi underscored that the conditions and timing for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow “are not yet ripe.”

He reiterated China’s belief that conflict resolution must be achieved through political means and expressed support for efforts conducive to peace.

‘Russian side never refused to negotiate’

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that Kuleba’s comments align with Russia’s negotiation position.

“The Russian side has never refused to negotiate and has always been open to the negotiation process,” Peskov said, emphasizing the need for further details on Ukraine’s stance.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s peace proposals, recalling a previously approved draft peace agreement on March 2022 that Kyiv later abandoned.

She suggested that the upcoming presidential election might influence Ukraine’s altered rhetoric on peace talks.

China’s position on conflict

Wang Yi expressed China’s concern over the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and pledged continued humanitarian assistance.

He also highlighted China’s collaborative efforts with Brazil on a three-point de-escalation formula to bring a political solution to the conflict.

Kuleba affirmed that achieving a just peace in Ukraine aligns with China’s strategic interests and emphasized the necessity of ending the war to restore peace and development.

He expressed Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate with Russia at a suitable stage, conditional on Moscow’s good faith.