Trump to hold talks with Xi Jinping as US pushes China to cut Russian oil imports
Photo: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump plans to hold a conversation with China on October 30. This could become an important step if, following the sanctions, Beijing reduces its imports of energy resources from Russia, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy commented on the latest US sanctions measures against Russia and explained their political significance. According to him, the sanctions imposed by President Trump demonstrate the United States' capabilities and send a signal to Congress.
"I think it’s politically important for Congress to take some steps in the near future. The president has already acted, and he gains political advantage from this situation. Congress, ahead of the upcoming election year, likely also needs to demonstrate strength and draw attention to itself," he explained.
Zelenskyy emphasized that such a move simultaneously signals to Russia that "the window is open" for negotiations or for the possible supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine.
The president also reported that Trump plans to speak with China on October 30 and expressed hope that the US will be able to persuade China, as India has, to reduce its purchases of energy resources from Russia.
"Next, President Trump plans to speak with China on the 30th. I think this could be one of his strong moves if, after this decisive sanctions step, China is ready to reduce imports. Why? Because we have signals that India has definitely given all indications that it will reduce imports of energy resources from the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy noted.
Last week, the United States imposed tough sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies — Rosneft and Lukoil.
The US Department of the Treasury stated that the decision was made due to Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to agree to peace in Ukraine.
Following this, Chinese state oil companies suspended purchases of Russian oil transported by sea.
Trump himself announced the upcoming conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during which he will attempt to persuade Beijing to stop buying Russian oil.
According to the US president, China has already significantly reduced its purchases, while India has completely suspended them, increasing economic pressure on Moscow and reinforcing the effect of American sanctions.
Read more about what Ukraine and the world can expect from the meeting between the US and Chinese leaders in the full RBC-Ukraine report.
