Senior Ukrainian diplomat arrives in Beijing for talks amid push for war’s end

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – A senior Ukrainian diplomat announced on Thursday that he had arrived in Beijing, a close ally of Russia, where he is expected to hold talks with Chinese officials amid ongoing international efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya announced in a post on US social media company X that he had a “busy day ahead in Beijing,” signaling diplomatic engagements during his visit to the Chinese capital.

Kyslytsya also said he met with the US ambassador to China, David Perdue, describing the talks as “a very good conversation.”

He noted that support from Washington and “@POTUS efforts to bring an end to the war and fostering our partnership” were at the center of the discussion.

“It’s always great to feel support of partners like the United States,” he added.

China has maintained dialogue with Ukraine despite its close ties with Russia. Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing "will continue to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis."

"At the same time, China firmly opposes any irresponsible attempt to shift blame or smear others," Xi told French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on a state visit to China.