China-Ukraine relations

China is quietly laying the groundwork for its involvement in Ukraine after a possible ceasefire or peace deal.

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.