A potential pause in fighting in Ukraine could give Moscow time to strengthen its military capabilities. This view was voiced by John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the U.S. National Security Council, in a conversation with Fox News.
Kirby warned that Moscow could use a ceasefire to train new forces, prepare reinforcements, and sketch plans for a renewed offensive. He also noted that Washington views calls for peace during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow on March 20–22 as not acceptable.
According to Kirby, Washington expects Xi Jinping to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hear Kyiv’s position and to keep communication channels with China open throughout the journey.
On March 17, Kirby echoed similar sentiments, saying the U.S. hopes Xi will connect with Zelensky after the Moscow trip while acknowledging there is little expectation for an immediate halt in hostilities. The idea, as framed by Beijing, is to foster a path toward a just and lasting peace.
“We believe it remains crucial that [Xi] hears not only Moscow’s perspective but also the Ukrainian side,” Kirby stated. He added that the current ceasefire would likely be seen as a confirmation of the ground Moscow has gained.
Earlier in February, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, urged Moscow and Kyiv to resume talks without delay and to sit at the negotiating table. China has signaled its intention to play a mediating role in the conflict and presented a 12‑point plan to help resolve the crisis on the anniversary of Russia’s military operation.
The first three points emphasize respecting national sovereignty, rejecting Cold War thinking, and halting hostilities. The plan also calls for resuming peace talks, addressing the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians and prisoners, ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities, reducing strategic risks, supporting grain exports, ending unilateral sanctions, stabilizing supply chains and production, and assisting in post‑conflict territorial restoration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists at a press conference that he plans to meet Xi Jinping, though details about how and when were not provided. “First and foremost, I intend to meet with Xi Jinping, and I believe it will be beneficial for our countries and global security,” Zelensky said. He indicated that discussions with the PRC leader would cover more than military operations, including economic ties between the two states.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning responded to Zelensky’s remarks by noting that China remains in contact with all parties involved in the conflict.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, told Newsmax TV that Kyiv opposes ceasefire proposals, reflecting the skeptical view that Moscow often uses pauses to gain time. He emphasized distrust toward signals that could enable Russia to advance its agenda under a temporary halt.
On February 24, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States opposes a ceasefire in Ukraine, arguing that Russia would likely use any lull to consolidate resources for further offensives. Later, on March 17, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin press secretary, announced that talks between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping would take place in Moscow on March 21 to discuss the broader Ukrainian conflict, among other issues.
[Attribution: This summary reflects public statements and official briefings from U.S. and Chinese representatives; sources cited include remarks from the White House, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Kyiv’s administration.]