Scholz urges direct talks between China and Ukraine ahead of any peace process
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for direct engagement between Beijing and Kyiv, stressing that the Chinese leadership should establish contact with Ukrainian authorities and negotiate with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The remarks, reported by TASS, come amid heightened international attention to the possibility of China playing a role in Ukraine’s peace efforts. Scholz emphasized that a constructive path to ending the war would benefit from a direct line of communication that involves Kyiv and the Ukrainian government in any discussions about a ceasefire or political settlement. The underlying point is clear: diplomacy can only progress if all key parties are listening to each other and are ready to negotiate in good faith, with the Ukrainian side at the table from the outset. The situation was raised in the context of Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow, where discussions about a potential peace framework were expected to surface during discussions about regional security and broader European stability. The German leader noted that Beijing should speak directly with Kyiv, reinforcing the view that any durable peace will require engagement with the Ukrainian leadership and a willingness to address Kyiv’s security concerns and sovereignty commitments. This stance reflects a broader Western expectation that China, as a major global actor, should contribute to stabilizing the conflict through direct dialogue rather than behind-the-scenes mediation or purely symbolic gestures.
In related remarks, US officials have articulated a similar expectation about China’s role. John Kirby, who serves as the strategic communications coordinator for the US National Security Council, indicated that Washington expects direct communication with President Zelensky to come from Chinese leadership following Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow. Kirby stressed that he does not view the Chinese ceasefire proposal as a definitive path to a just and lasting peace, underscoring the need for substantive commitments that translate into real gains on the ground for Ukraine and its people. This perspective aligns with concerns among Western governments that any ceasefire must be anchored in credible milestones, verification mechanisms, and respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The exchange signals a coordinated emphasis on direct diplomacy and clear accountability from all parties involved, including China, the United States, and European partners. The overall message is that peace talks should reflect the realities on the ground in Ukraine, incorporate Kyiv’s perspectives, and be anchored in a framework that can garner broad international support.
Analysts note that the evolving dialogue around China’s possible mediation role underscores a wider shift in how major powers approach conflict resolution. Direct engagement between Kyiv and Beijing would represent a significant step in aligning interests and expectations among international partners who are eager to see a credible path to peace. In this context, Scholz’s comments reinforce the principle that any credible peace process must Rest on direct Ukrainian involvement, transparent negotiation terms, and a shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. The discussions are also watched closely for potential signals about how China might balance its strategic relations with Moscow with the international community’s insistence on a negotiated settlement that respects Ukraine’s independence and territorial borders. The conversation continues to unfold as leaders assess feasible avenues for dialogue, verify commitments, and explore mechanisms that can sustain a durable peace while safeguarding regional stability. [TASS] [White House] [European Union diplomatic briefings]