A complex chess game: why China is interested in intensifying negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

A complex chess game: why China is interested in intensifying negotiations between Ukraine and Russia Victoria Grabovskaya

China is increasingly involved in the future settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine. Previously, he had repeatedly proposed scenarios for its possible end.

This is precisely why the invitation of the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Kuleba to the PRC is connected. About this 24 Channel told the head of the Center for Public Analysis “Vezha” Valery Klochok, noting that China is claiming a certain role in the negotiation track.

Putin wants negotiations from 2022

Narratives about negotiations with Ukraine are constantly heard from Russia, but they are impossible under the Kremlin's conditions. At the same time, there are two groups in the Russian government that have opposing goals. One shows readiness for negotiations, and the other wants to continue the war, because for its representatives it is a means to retain power.

Supporters of peace negotiations in the Kremlin are ready for them under certain conditions, which must be agreed upon with a third party. Today it can be represented by China, the USA and the European Union,” he noted.

Vladimir Zelensky also said that these countries and the European Union should act as mediators. This coincides with the position of Russia, which was voiced by Viktor Orban after his meeting with Vladimir Putin.

Therefore, there is talk that Putin is not ready to negotiations, you should not trust. “He wants negotiations since April 2022, but on his own terms,” Klochok emphasized.

However, the Russians realize that their conditions cannot be fully met. In addition, China sees the situation differently – energy security is very important for it. In particular, he is inclined to ensure that Russia leaves at least the occupied parts of the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions and transfers the Zaporozhye NPP under the control of Ukraine.

The negotiation track was launched a long time ago, and Kuleba’s invitation to China indicates that Beijing is ready to join it. And now he has received non-public approval for this from the United States and the European Union,” he emphasized.

The negotiating position is now being formed, in particular, taking into account the interests of China. These interests are actively influenced by the USA through its sanctions policy towards Beijing. In response, China has already made certain concessions, announcing the lifting of sanctions against American companies operating in the country.

“This is a complex chess game in which Ukraine plays a role, and China is interested in it. Also in this game, Kyiv can use Beijing to put pressure on Moscow,” noted Valery Klochok.