China-Ukraine relations

Zelenskyy claims that Kyiv has information on at least 155 Chinese citizens fighting with the Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.

Insights from Vita Golod.

There are reasons for Kyiv to hope that Beijing might eventually push Moscow for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. However, Kuleba’s visit to China has not been a decisive step in this direction.

Even though it is in China’s interest to lead a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the benefit of waiting for the strategically optimal time outweighs the potential risks.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is making his first visit to China since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Insights from Yurii Poita.

Zelenskyy’s unusually direct comments in Singapore marked a significant shift in Kyiv’s stance and a long-overdue reckoning with China's role in the war. 

Zelenskyy has good reasons for not antagonizing Xi. But given Beijing’s “no-limits partnership” with Moscow, will Ukraine's efforts ever pay off?

China has been sending strong signals that it plans to use its economic clout to bring Ukraine to the bargaining table – to Russia’s benefit. 

Xi will visit Moscow on March 20-22 as speculation grows China is going to push harder for a diplomatic settlement to the war in Ukraine.

Not lacking for self-confidence, Xi’s decision to insert himself into Russia-Ukraine mediation presents outsized opportunities and risks for Beijing, especially in Europe. 

China’s top diplomat toured Europe to try to explain Beijing’s “neutral” position on the conflict – but topped it off with a visit to Russia. 

As the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion looms, China's positioning on the Ukraine war is coming under increased scrutiny.

Insights from Yurii Poita.

Ukraine was not one of China’s largest partners, but they had important ties in a number of areas that will be difficult to replace.

China’s attitude toward the Ukraine war stems from functional calculations, diplomatic and military bonds with Kyiv, strategic considerations, and normative reflection.

The fact that Beijing was caught off guard hints at the fragility of its partnership with Russia.

The reputational cost – both on the international stage and with the Chinese people – would be great if Beijing threw its support behind Russian aggression.

Insights from Bonny Lin.

China's BRI and agricultural needs led Beijing to seek partnership with Ukraine. Now Russia's military build-up has complicated those calculations.

Beijing's bid for geopolitical influence in Kyiv is increasing.

“If China wants to come here and improve our ports and railways and build our roads, why would we stop them?”

The former Georgian president’s colorful reentry into Ukrainian politics could impact China's regional aspirations.

Insights from Sarah Kirchberger.