President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed for a direct meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss Russia’s ongoing military action. He criticized former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder for visiting Moscow, calling the trip “absolutely disgusting” and saying Schröder serves Moscow’s interests in Europe.
Catch the Dragon
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Zelensky stated, “I want to speak directly. I had a dialogue with President Xi Jinping a year ago.” He added that Kyiv formally sought negotiations with Beijing after February 24, but those talks never took place, though he believes a negotiation could be beneficial.
Zelensky emphasized China’s substantial state and economic power, noting that Beijing could influence Moscow politically and economically. He warned that without access to the Chinese market, Russia would face economic isolation and urged China to align with a shared global approach in the Ukraine conflict.
He also acknowledged that Beijing’s neutrality would be preferable to any active alignment with Russia, stating that it is important for China not to aid Moscow, during remarks at a press conference with students at the Australian National University carried by CNN.
An attempt to sever the ties of the elite
Zelensky condemned Schröder’s Moscow meeting with Vladimir Putin, describing it as “absolutely disgusting”. He argued that the German politician advocates Moscow’s interests in Europe and acts as a representative for Russia within European affairs.
“In general, it is disturbing when former leaders of powerful European states work for Russia”, Zelensky remarked.
He rejected Schröder’s assertions that Moscow favors a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine crisis, insisting that Russia does not seek dialogue and that Ukraine must continue to defend itself.
Moscow’s gas trump card
Schröder’s July meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow centered on energy questions, according to official statements.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that Schröder, like many European observers, understands the energy crisis affecting Europe and is concerned about the real state of affairs. Peskov added that Schröder pressed for clarity on Russia’s plan and noted the missing documents required to return a repaired turbine for Nord Stream to Gazprom.
Gazprom, as the turbine owner and supplier, must receive documents proving the product is not under sanctions and include technical paperwork. Peskov said such documents were not available at the time. He also noted Schröder’s question about whether Nord Stream 2 could be used in a crisis, and Putin reportedly answered that it is technically possible. If operational, the pipeline could deliver about 27 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe, though much of that would still be allocated to domestic needs as of the statement’s framing.
In an interview with Stern, Schröder advocated restarting Nord Stream 2, arguing it would be the simplest way to stabilize energy supply under the current strains. He suggested that maintaining both Nord Stream pipelines would prevent supply disruptions for German industry and households.
Germany’s certification of Nord Stream 2 was suspended in February 2022 after Russia recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Earlier, Gazprom had announced the completion of related infrastructure work elsewhere in the region.