Watch the video: China’s special envoy on the situation in the Ukraine conflict
Despite difficulties, China still believes in talks between Ukraine and Russia. He has the impression that the door to negotiations is not “firmly” closed, special envoy for Eurasian affairs Li Hui said on Friday. “There may be many difficulties for each side when they meet to negotiate peacefully. But it is important that there is a party that steps in and works for both sides to agree on a compromise. And so step by step the conditions for a solution to the crisis have been met. As long as the situation can be eased and negotiations promoted, China is ready to be that party.”
In May, Li made a 12-day trip to Kiev, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Moscow to find common ground for a possible political settlement to the Ukraine war. The Russian side appreciates China’s desire and efforts to reach a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, he said afterwards, but also conceded that the first trip to Europe might not lead to an immediate result. China describes itself as a neutral party in the war.