China says talks only path to Ukraine peace

Negotiations remain the only effective way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, and the parties to the conflict should work toward signing a comprehensive peace agreement, China’s Foreign Ministry said on February 24.

Speaking at a regular briefing, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, stressed that dialogue continues to be the key mechanism for achieving a political settlement, according to Russian media.

“Recently, the door for dialogue on the Ukrainian crisis has finally opened, and the parties are maintaining the momentum of negotiations,” the diplomat said.

Mao expressed hope that the sides involved would take advantage of the current moment to reach a long-term and legally binding agreement. She underlined that China’s position on the conflict remains unchanged and clear, noting that Beijing supports all initiatives that help advance peace efforts. China, she added, is prepared to continue active engagement with the international community to facilitate a political resolution.

Recent negotiations involving Russia, the US and Ukraine took place in Geneva on February 17–18. The first day of talks lasted around six hours, while discussions on the second day continued for approximately two hours. The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, described the negotiations as difficult but businesslike and said another meeting on the Ukrainian settlement is expected soon.

Earlier, trilateral security consultations between Russia, Ukraine and the US were held in Abu Dhabi. The first round took place on January 23–24, followed by a second round on February 4–5.

By Tamilla Hasanova