China's Special Envoy for Ukraine War Mediation Tours Six Countries... Seeking a Breakthrough (Summary)

Li Hui, China's special representative for Eurasian affairs and a special envoy tasked with mediating the ceasefire negotiations in the Ukraine war, completed his visits to six countries on the 26th (local time), concluding with Russia.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on the 27th, Li Hui met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Mikhail Galuzin, and Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Moscow the previous day to discuss political solutions to the Ukraine war and China-Russia relations.

Li, who served as ambassador to Russia for ten years starting in 2009, visited Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from the 16th onward, engaging in discussions and then held talks with the Russian side based on the solutions discussed.

Li stated, "Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China consistently adheres to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, maintains an objective and fair stance, actively advocates for peace and promotes negotiations, determines its position based on the facts of the matter, and consistently stands on the side of peace, dialogue, and the right side of history."

He added, "Based on the document 'China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis' announced in February, China will strengthen exchanges with all countries, including Russia, and make practical efforts toward a political resolution of the Ukraine situation."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Russian side highly appreciates China’s efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis and expressed its intention to maintain the direction of political settlement while continuing to strengthen communication and coordination with China.

According to the Russian side’s announcement, Minister Lavrov blamed Ukraine and the West, saying there are "serious obstacles" to resuming peace negotiations. Although Li sought mediation by visiting Ukraine and Russia, the direct parties to the war, as well as major European countries siding with Ukraine, it remains unclear whether a feasible mediation proposal can be presented due to the significant differences between Russia and Ukraine’s positions.

In this regard, Ukraine reaffirmed its position during consultations with Li that it cannot accept any proposals involving territorial loss and that it will not give up the territories occupied since Russia’s invasion in February last year.