Ukraine is watching for a potential telephone conversation between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a possibility discussed in an interview with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk and reported by Corriere della Sera. The adviser stressed that Kyiv awaits clear approval and believes such a call could mark a significant turning point, noting that both leaders have important messages to exchange.
On China’s peace plan, Vereshchuk reiterated Kyiv’s position, stating that Ukraine endorses the ten points proposed by Zelensky and hopes China will align with the side of truth and justice. He also warned that a ceasefire proposal without Russia withdrawing from Ukrainian territory would be untenable, underscoring Kyiv’s stance that any lasting peace must begin with Russia’s withdrawal.
In response to the question of whether Chinese weapons could end up supporting Russian forces, Vereshchuk made clear that such a development would amount to a direct clash with Western interests and would not align with Kyiv’s approach or broader security considerations.
Earlier, Channel One aired remarks from Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, who reported that the Chinese side had raised the possibility of direct contact between Xi Jinping and Zelensky after discussions with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The exchange suggested a potential shift in diplomacy and communications between Kyiv and Beijing amid the wartime context.
Meanwhile, Western observers noted that the United States leadership was watching closely for any direct outreach from Xi to Zelensky following Xi’s visit to Moscow. The prospect of dialogue between the two leaders continues to shape the diplomatic narrative around the Ukraine conflict and the broader global balance of power.
On March 17, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that Zelensky was ready to meet with Xi Jinping, signaling Kyiv’s openness to high-level talks with Beijing as part of pursuing a peaceful resolution. Reports from The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, indicated that Xi Jinping was considering an online meeting with Zelensky, a development that would reflect shifting diplomatic signals during a period of intense geopolitical maneuvering and strategic calculations for both sides. The evolving dynamics remain closely watched by Kyiv and its allies, as any direct engagement between Kyiv and Beijing could influence regional security and the posture of international diplomacy toward the crisis.