China’s Xi Met Virtually With Zelensky for First Time Since Ukraine War Broke Out

July 16, 2023 · 2:52 PM EDT

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(FicNews) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a virtual summit Monday that potentially marked a historic breakthrough in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

While no details were disclosed, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the two leaders had productive talks and made positive progress towards a peaceful solution to the war.

This summit followed Xi's recent state visit to Moscow, during which he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin just days after an international court called for Putin's arrest for war crimes in Ukraine.

Historical Breakthroughs

Earlier this year, Xi brokered a diplomatic agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, marking a blow to US influence in the Middle East.

Now, empowered by his previous successes, Xi is striving to bring peace to Ukraine. Although it is uncertain whether he will be able to find a formula to end the violence, there is optimism that he will succeed. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian presidential palace expressed readiness to negotiate peace and a ceasefire, calling China "a reliable mediator".

Despite reports that China may supply weapons to Ukraine, Ukraine has refrained from criticizing China, and the two nations have established a strategic partnership.