Russian Vice President Yuri Ushakov told reporters that a phone discussion between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is unlikely to take place today or tomorrow. He added that the potential meeting does not carry significant weight for Moscow in terms of advancing a solution to the Ukraine crisis, a development reported by DEA News. The statement reflects Russia’s cautious stance on high level talks and its assessment of the timing necessary for any meaningful breakthrough in the conflict.
Ushakov noted the likely reaction from Washington, saying the United States acknowledged that Xi Jinping is busy visiting Russia at the moment. He suggested that this visit could delay or deprioritize direct conversations with Kyiv in the near term, and he asserted that no talks with Kyiv are expected tomorrow. The deputy head of state emphasized that the possibility of a China-Ukrainian leaders’ meeting, in the current climate, holds little strategic significance for Moscow as it pursues its own objectives in the region.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Reintegration for the temporarily uncontrolled territories, Irina Vereshchuk, urged Kyiv to wait for a clear confirmation of any phone call between Xi Jinping and Zelensky. The uncertainty surrounding such a call has been a recurring feature of diplomatic chatter as parties weigh options for deescalation and negotiation efforts amid ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine. Vereshchuk’s remarks underscored Kyiv’s preference for verifiable arrangements over speculative discussions about potential high level exchanges.
In the broader diplomatic arena, observers note that phone exchanges and personal visits between major powers often serve as signals rather than immediate solutions. The emphasis in Moscow remains on concrete steps that can affect the deployment, security, and governance of the conflict zones. Analysts contend that while high level conversations can set the tone for regional diplomacy, tangible progress depends on on-the-ground realities, credible ceasefires, and verifiable commitments from all sides involved in the Ukraine crisis. The latest comments reflect a cautious approach aimed at managing expectations while continuing to monitor developments across the international landscape and the evolving positions of key stakeholders.