Zelensky seeks Chinese talks to influence Russia over war in Ukraine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Jan 2023 19:03
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First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska announces a letter to be sent to the Chinese President through the country's delegation in Davos.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, January 17, 2023 (AP).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent a letter, on Wednesday, to Chinese President Xi Jinping, through the Chinese delegation in Davos, and invited him to engage in bilateral talks, according to his wife Olena Zelenska.

Zelensky has repeatedly attempted to establish communication lines with Xi since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Zelensky has reportedly hoped Xi will influence Russia's President Vladimir Putin in favor of Ukraine.

Zelenska stated she had a letter for Xi during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, on Tuesday. Later, in a news conference, Zelenska revealed further details as she noted that the letter "was a gesture and invitation to dialogue and I hope very much that there will be a response to this invitation."

Despite the "challenge" and "threat" China imposes, according to the US National Defense Strategy, European countries can be seen rushing for China's help in solving the crisis, considering that the Asian nation has maintained neutrality throughout the war in Ukraine and refused to join the sanctions against Russia.

Earlier in December, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Xi to use his influence on Russia to stop the war in Ukraine, his office said.

"The president underlined the common interest of China and Europe in an end to the war (in Ukraine) as well as respect for Ukrainian sovereignty and the required withdrawal of Russian troops," Steinmeier's office indicated in a statement.

"He asked Xi to use his influence on Russia and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to this end," the German President's office added.