Zelenskiy Urges China to Pressure Russia, Rejects Mediation Role

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed that Kyiv does not want China as a mediator in its conflict with Russia but hopes Beijing increases pressure on Moscow to end the war. While Ukraine seeks to restore its 1991 borders, Zelenskiy stated potential talks with Russia could commence under the right conditions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday that Kyiv does not favor China as a mediator in its 29-month-old conflict with Russia, but is hopeful that Beijing will exert more pressure on Moscow to bring the war to an end. Speaking to French media outlets, Zelenskiy stressed Ukraine's goal to return to its 1991 post-Soviet borders, though he is open to initiating talks with Russia before a full withdrawal of Moscow's troops, given the right circumstances.

"If China wants to, it can force Russia to stop this war. I do not want (China) to act as a mediator. I would like it to put pressure on Russia to put an end to this war," Zelenskiy told reporters. "Just as the United States is applying pressure, just as the European Union is applying pressure. The more influence a country has, the greater should be its pressure on Russia."

China, maintaining a "no limits" partnership with Russia, has proposed its own peace plan emphasizing non-escalation, direct negotiations, and humanitarian assistance. Despite being absent from last month's peace summit in Switzerland, China has been intensifying its diplomatic efforts, including hosting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba last week. Zelenskiy reiterated that Russia should attend a future peace summit to achieve viable results.