Norway urges China to push Russia toward peace talks — Reuters
Photo: Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Getty Images)
Norway wants China to help bring Russia to the negotiating table with Ukraine, Reuters.
Norway asks China to put pressure on Russia
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that China should use its ties with the Russian leadership to help bring about a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine. According to him, this would also benefit Beijing’s relations with Europe.
He made the statement on Monday after meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Oslo. According to Støre, most of their conversation focused on Ukraine.
"China is probably the country with the best and most direct access to the Russian leadership. We expect, hope and strongly urge China to use that channel," he told reporters.
Talks must start without preconditions
Norwegian officials state that negotiations on Ukraine must begin without any preconditions. The first step should be a ceasefire based on the current front lines.
"That is, in itself, a major concession from Ukraine's side. It is inside their territory," Støre said.
He also notes that Europe’s cooperation with China could be deeper, but the war is hindering this.
"There is a potential for deeper cooperation between Europe and China, but as long as this war goes on and China is a close partner of Russia, that is a limitation on that opportunity," he added.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated in an interview that China was indeed capable of forcing Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine.
According to him, Beijing is simultaneously interested in the continuation of hostilities, as it derives its own benefits from this.
Meanwhile, China has once again rejected accusations that it is training Russian military personnel on its territory. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called these reports pure slander and urged Germany to assess Beijing's position objectively.
