German сhancellor urges Chinese leader to press Putin on Ukraine war

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine, as the Kremlin leader travels to Beijing for talks on strengthening ties with China.

Speaking in Berlin after meeting Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Merz said he did not expect a “fundamental shift” in Russia–China relations, but expressed hope that Xi would raise the conflict with Putin directly, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

“We do, of course, attach hope to this visit that President Xi will also influence President Putin to end this war in Ukraine, which he cannot win,” Merz said, adding that the ongoing conflict was resulting in “high losses of human life” for Russia on a daily basis.

Putin is expected in Beijing for talks at Xi’s invitation, with discussions set to focus on deepening the “privileged strategic partnership” between Moscow and Beijing. The visit comes just days after US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic engagements, underscoring the intensifying geopolitical jockeying among major powers over the war in Ukraine.

Western governments have increasingly looked to China as a potential intermediary capable of influencing Moscow, although Beijing has consistently avoided publicly condemning Russia’s invasion and has maintained close political and economic ties with the Kremlin.

Analysts say Xi is unlikely to break with Moscow, but could continue to present China as a possible diplomatic channel — without signalling any shift away from its strategic alignment with Russia.