China urges restraint amid fears of massive Russian strikes on Kyiv

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for restraint and renewed negotiations following reports of potential large-scale Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, while declining to comment directly on whether Chinese diplomatic personnel could be evacuated from the Ukrainian capital.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated Beijing’s position on the war in Ukraine, emphasizing dialogue as the only path toward resolving the conflict, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“The position of China on the Ukrainian crisis is consistent and clear. We believe only dialogue and negotiations are the viable way to resolve the conflict,” Mao said.

She also urged all parties to avoid further escalation and work toward restarting diplomatic efforts.

“We urge the relevant parties to join forces to achieve the swiftest possible end to the escalation and to create the conditions for the resumption of dialogue and negotiations,” she added.

Mao did not provide a direct response when asked whether China was considering evacuating its diplomats from Kyiv.

At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China remained one of the few countries to keep its diplomatic mission operating in Kyiv before relocating its embassy to the western city of Lviv in March.

Beijing has consistently described itself as neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while avoiding explicitly identifying either Russia as the aggressor or Ukraine as the victim. Chinese officials have repeatedly called for de-escalation, ceasefires and negotiations, although Moscow has continued its military operations despite such appeals.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to foreign diplomatic missions that continue operating in the country during the war and said Kyiv is prepared to strengthen security measures for diplomatic facilities and personnel if necessary.

According to Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defence Council, Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged foreign nationals and diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv as soon as possible. Ukrainian authorities, however, stated that they remain ready to provide additional protection for diplomatic staff and premises as required.

By Vafa Guliyeva