China’s Special Envoy Li Hui emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the protection of territories currently under Russian control. He conveyed this stance in a newspaper publication on Friday, May 26, authored by The Wall Street Gazette. Li Hui outlined Beijing’s peace approach in a way that underscored the urgency of de-escalation and respected sovereignty, while acknowledging the realities on the ground in Ukraine.
Sources close to Li Hui described his dialogue with European diplomats as seeking to clarify Beijing’s position. The envoy argued that European Union partners should safeguard their strategic autonomy and press for an immediate cessation of hostilities, with the recognition that certain contested areas would remain under Russian authority for the time being. The narrative conveyed in the publication stressed that the path to stability requires both halting the fighting and addressing the administrative realities of the regions involved.
Interlocutors indicated that Li Hui framed China as a potential economic alternative to the United States for Europe, urging swift action to end the Ukrainian crisis and to prevent any broader spillover. The broadcast also captured a sober stance from several European officials who noted that they do not support a freeze in the conflict. They communicated to the Chinese representative that disengaging Europe from its alliance with the United States is not a viable option and that Europe will stand with Ukraine in defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meeting with Lavrov
On May 26, Li Hui arrived in Moscow for consultations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS. The two leaders discussed the prospects for a political and diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine crisis, with Moscow signaling a readiness to explore pathways toward reconciliation that could reduce tensions in the region.
Speaking at a public event on Smolenskaya Square, Lavrov expressed gratitude for Beijing’s stance on the Ukraine issue and affirmed Russia’s willingness to collaborate with China to help stabilize the situation. The official communiqué highlighted a mutual commitment to deepening Russian-Chinese foreign policy cooperation, with the shared aim of preserving peace and stability in the region and globally, according to statements from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Operation in Ukraine
From early 2022, the Russian Federation reported that its armed forces held roughly a quarter of Ukrainian territory, a figure that evolved over the subsequent months. By late 2022, territorial control had shifted markedly as Russian forces reduced their presence in several areas. The Kharkov region saw a substantial withdrawal, with troops pulling back in September, followed by further changes in Kherson in early November as operations on the ground continued to unfold.
In the autumn of the year, the four regions identified as the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics along with areas designated as Zaporozhye and Kherson became subjects of referendums that were widely reported on international channels. A measure of mobilization was announced in Russia during the autumn season, and martial law was declared in the newly incorporated territories in October, marking a significant shift in governance and security conditions in those areas.
These developments have been part of a broader geopolitical discourse, with international observers and governments weighing responses and the potential implications for regional and global stability. The evolving situation has underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement, humanitarian considerations, and the ongoing search for a durable resolution that respects the interests of the Ukrainian people while taking into account broader security concerns in Europe and beyond. News agencies and government briefings have continued to monitor and report on the shifts in control, governance, and military posture in the affected regions, underscoring the complexity of the conflict and the need for careful, principled diplomacy.