Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Ukraine, according to an interview with the Associated Press. President Zelenskiy expressed readiness to welcome President Xi in Ukraine.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year, President Xi has not spoken with President Zelenskiy. However, China proposed a 12-point plan for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis last month. During a recent state visit to Moscow, President Xi discussed the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no progress was made on ending the war.

China’s proposal calls for a de-escalation and eventual ceasefire in Ukraine. However, the United States has dismissed the proposal, as China has not condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The US contends that a ceasefire now would solidify Russian territorial gains and allow Putin’s army to regroup.

While Ukraine welcomes China’s diplomatic involvement, President Zelenskiy has stated that he will only consider peace settlements once Russian troops leave Ukrainian territory.

Source: Reuters