Kyiv's top diplomat arrives in China with Ukraine war on agenda

By Burc Eruygur and Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kyiv’s top diplomat on Tuesday arrived in China’s capital Beijing on a three-day visit, which will host negotiations on how to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that continues into its third year.

“I think this date speaks for itself," Dmytro Kuleba said after he landed in Beijing. "There will be extensive, detailed, substantive negotiations. In the center of attention is one issue: peace in Ukraine,” Kuleba said.

It is also first trip to Beijing by any Ukrainian foreign minister since 2012.

Kuleba said they need to avoid “competing peace plans” and move towards a “just and sustainable peace," indicating that China can play an important role in this.

The visit comes at the invitation of Kuleba’s Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, during which the two parties will exchange views on the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations,” according to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry statement.

“The main topic of discussion will be the search for ways to stop Russian aggression and the possible role of China in achieving a stable and just peace,” the statement added.

Wang and Kuleba "will exchange views on implementing the common understandings of the two presidents, promoting China-Ukraine cooperation and issues of mutual concern," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing earlier in the day.

"When it comes to the Ukraine crisis, China always believes that an early ceasefire and a political settlement is in the interest of all parties," Mao further said.

"China will continue to stand on the side of peace and dialogue and support the international community in building up more consensus and jointly looking for viable ways to achieve a political settlement of the crisis," she said.

While Beijing has called for respect for the territorial integrity of all nations, it has not condemned Moscow for its war on Kyiv.

Instead, China, in collaboration with Brazil, has proposed a three-point de-escalation formula to bring a political solution to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The formula includes no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no provocation by any party.