A significant development has unfolded in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with Russian President Vladimir Putin extending an offer for unconditional negotiations to commence as early as Thursday. This move has garnered support from China, which has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, Beijing welcomes all efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace settlement and hopes that Russia and Ukraine can find a fair and binding agreement through dialogue and negotiation.
Putin’s call for negotiations comes after Ukraine withdrew from talks in 2022 to pursue a military victory. The Russian leader has suggested that a meeting could be organized in Türkiye, provided Ankara agrees to host the talks. Turkish officials have since given their consent. Meanwhile, China has reiterated its commitment to playing a constructive role in defusing the crisis, with Lin Jian emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution.
However, Ukraine and its European NATO allies have insisted that Russia must agree to a 30-day truce before any direct negotiations can take place. US President Donald Trump has adopted a different stance, urging Russia and Ukraine to commence negotiations as soon as possible. Trump argues that Washington has done its part in creating the conditions for diplomacy. Moscow, on the other hand, has expressed concerns that Kiev may exploit a ceasefire to regroup its military forces before resuming hostilities.
Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky, who had previously banned direct negotiations with Russia as long as Putin remains in office, has indicated his willingness to meet with the Russian leader in Istanbul if his conditions, including a 30-day truce, are met. A senior Ukrainian official has revealed that Zelensky will attend the meeting in Türkiye on Thursday, even if Russia does not announce a ceasefire by Monday as demanded by Kiev. This development sets the stage for a potentially pivotal moment in the conflict, with the international community watching closely to see if negotiations can yield a lasting peace settlement.
