Kyiv urges Beijing to play more active role in ending Russia’s war

He made this statement at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Kyiv to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Perebyinis stressed that China is one of the world’s most influential powers, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and a country that Moscow “cannot ignore.”

“Russia cannot ignore China,” the deputy minister highlighted, adding that Kyiv expects Beijing to take a more active stance in promoting peace and to use its leverage to convince the Kremlin to end hostilities.

Perebyinis noted that China understands the suffering Ukrainians have endured while resisting Russia’s illegal and brutal aggression for over a decade. He thanked Beijing for its support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence, particularly in the early stages of the full-scale invasion.

He also underlined that Kyiv seeks to deepen relations with Beijing, including expanding political dialogue at all levels.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski earlier said that China is the only country capable of compelling Russia to agree to a truce, pointing out that Moscow’s dependence on Beijing is now so profound that China wields a “powerful lever of influence.”

The question, Sikorski added, is whether Beijing will choose to use it.