Zelenskyy is confident that Xi Jinping can push Putin towards peace
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping may push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards peace, as Russia's economy heavily depends on China, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to Zelenskyy, he is trying to convince China to use its influence on Russia to help end the fighting in Ukraine. At the same time, the Ukrainian president expressed disappointment that he cannot speak with Chinese leader Xi Jinping more often.
"He can push Putin for peace, President Trump is the strongest — and Xi Jinping. I think there’s no other ally who can really do it. His economy, Putin, depends very much on China," Zelenskyy said.
Relations between China and Russia
China has taken an allegedly neutral stance on the full-scale war in Ukraine, calling for a peaceful resolution through negotiations. Specifically, it opposes unilateral sanctions and does not condemn Russia for its aggression, continuing economic ties with Moscow.
In 2023, Xi Jinping and Putin agreed to "deepen comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation" and declared that relations between China and Russia were entering "a new era."
Furthermore, Putin and Xi Jinping have met periodically since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recently, it was revealed that the Chinese leader plans to visit Russia in 2025.
Also, just days ago, Xi Jinping held a video call with Putin. They discussed cooperation between Russia and China.
