Ukraine requests China’s help to get cease-fire with Russia

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine sought help from China to establish a cease-fire in the war with Russia, according to Chinese authorities on Tuesday.

The request came during a telephone call between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.

“Ukraine is willing to strengthen communication with China and looks forward to China’s mediation for the realization of the ceasefire,” Kuleba told Wang, according to a statement by China’s Foreign Ministry, which said the request for the call came from Kyiv.

The Russia-Ukraine war entered a sixth day Tuesday, with the latest reports indicating that Russian troops were heading toward Kyiv.

At least 136 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and more than 600,000 others have fled the country, according to UN officials.

Ukraine said more than 350 civilians have been killed and over 1,600 injured during attacks by Russian forces.

The war has been met with outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, US, and Japan implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.

“Ending the war is the Ukrainian’s top priority,” said Kuleba.

Wang deplored the outbreak of the conflict “and is extremely concerned about the harm to civilians,” according to the statement. “China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue is open, transparent and consistent.”

China previously said it was opposed to the “illegal” sanctions against Russia.

“We have always advocated respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” it said in the statement.

“In response to the current crisis, China calls on Ukraine and Russia to find a solution to the problem through negotiations, and supports all constructive international efforts that are conducive to a political solution,” Wang said.

The Chinese top diplomat said China has “always believed that the security of one country cannot be at the expense of the security of other countries, and regional security cannot be achieved by expanding military blocs.”