China Urges Russia and Ukraine to Maintain Momentum in Peace Negotiations

A senior Chinese envoy issued a stark warning Friday that an influx of increasingly lethal weaponry on the battlefield risks fueling and prolonging the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative, voiced deep concern over the current escalation and urged all parties to foster a political atmosphere favoring peace over war.

Geng highlighted that, despite recent progress in direct negotiations between the two warring sides, the mounting presence of advanced arms threatens to intensify confrontation rather than ease tensions. “It is not conducive to achieving a ceasefire and ending the war, and runs counter to the common expectations of the international community,” Geng told the Security Council. He emphasized the need for all involved to create conditions supportive of dialogue and renewed peace talks, and called on both Russia and Ukraine to work collectively toward de-escalation instead of persisting with military actions.

The Chinese envoy also pushed back strongly against criticism from the U.S. representative, who had accused China of fueling the conflict. “Just now, the U.S. Representative, once again, spread misinformation and smeared China. This is utterly unacceptable,” Geng stated. He insisted that accusations against China were unfounded and politically motivated, asserting that China has never supplied lethal weapons to either side in the conflict and continues to strictly regulate the export of dual-use goods.

Geng went further to assign substantial responsibility to the United States for both the outbreak and the continuation of the hostilities. “The United States bears major responsibility for the outbreak and continuation of the conflict. It also has a responsibility to make efforts and play its role for an early end to the conflict,” he said, urging Washington to focus on diplomacy rather than engaging in what he termed a “boring blame game.”

Reiterating his nation’s stance, Geng underscored that China's position on the Ukraine issue remains consistent and clear. Since the crisis began, Beijing has called for negotiation and a political solution, maintaining communication channels with both Moscow and Kyiv. China, he noted, is willing to play a constructive role—together with the Global South and the broader international community—in seeking genuine peace.

The envoy also expressed hope that the momentum behind peace talks will be preserved. Noting the recent direct negotiations in Istanbul and the agreement on prisoner exchanges, he welcomed these as positive developments and stressed the importance of sustaining diplomatic engagement. “The parties to the conflict should demonstrate political will, maintain the momentum of peace talks, and address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and consultation, so as to ultimately realize a political settlement,” Geng said.

Finally, Geng called upon all parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure regardless of the circumstances. The plea comes amid ongoing violence, as illustrated by images of destroyed homes following drone strikes in Ukraine’s Odesa district, which continue to serve as stark reminders of the conflict’s toll on ordinary people.