China Seeks to Mediate Ukraine War as Envoy Visits Russia

Li Hui, China’s representative to Ukraine, is scheduled to meet with Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, on Friday in Moscow, according to the Russian foreign ministry.

According to a statement, Mikhail Galuzin, the deputy foreign minister of Russia, will meet with Li Hui, the Chinese government’s special envoy for Eurasian affairs, on May 26. Li Hui will meet with Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, on the same day.

The discussions take place in the midst of a heated dispute between Russia and the West over Ukraine. In reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States and its allies have imposed a number of sanctions on Moscow; in turn, Russia has promised to retaliate with its own sanctions.

China, which has called for a peaceful settlement to the situation but has refrained from criticising Russia’s actions, has been balancing between Russia and the West.

China is viewed as having a chance to try to mediate between the two sides during the talks between Li Hui and Lavrov. However, considering the profound differences between Russia and the West, it is uncertain how much success Li Hui will have.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry released a report on the political solution to the Ukraine situation at the end of February. The agreement demanded a halt to hostilities, the departure of Russian forces, and the beginning of talks between Russia and Ukraine.

It’s unclear if the document will be brought up during Li Hui and Lavrov’s discussions. But the text might serve as a starting point for talks between the two parties.

The world community is paying careful attention to the discussions between Li Hui and Lavrov. The conclusion of the negotiations could have a big impact on how the Ukraine conflict develops in the future.