Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that he will not hold a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the World Economic Forum in Davos because he believes the discussion would not reach the level of engagement he expects. He shared this stance after Politico published a report claiming that China had refused to enter talks with Ukraine, a claim also reported by Strana.ua.
Zelensky added that if needed, the Ukrainian Prime Minister would take part in any necessary discussions with the Chinese leadership. He also expressed openness to meeting Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, noting that he would be glad to engage with China’s top leader if circumstances allowed it.
The Ukrainian leader framed the dynamic in terms of decision-making authority within both governments. He said that while Xi Jinping shoulders the ultimate responsibility for Beijing, in Ukraine the decisions lie with him and his government. Zelensky emphasized that he does not seek dialogue for its own sake but seeks decisive steps from the leaders who control those decisions.
Earlier, Politico cited a senior United States official describing the Davos scene. The report suggested that Beijing had declined Kiev’s request for a meeting with high-level Chinese officials. A separate American official indicated that China had halted contact with Kiev after Moscow called for a pause in diplomatic outreach with Ukraine.
Previously, Zelensky had signaled Kiev’s interest in involving China in discussions related to Ukraine’s future settlement, specifically referencing the so-called peace formula and the hope that constructive Chinese participation could help shape a path toward a settlement.