Putin to definitely talk about Ukraine in China – Peskov

Russian leader Vladimir Putin will definitely discuss the war in Ukraine during discussions with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Source: Russian publication Izvestia, citing the Russian leader’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov

Quote from Peskov: "Ukraine will definitely be discussed."

Details: Peskov also added that Russia finds China's "peaceful plan regarding Ukraine" appealing and, in general, Russia allegedly welcomes any peaceful initiatives regarding the war. 

"Of course, this is just the beginning of the conversation. We have a very tense discussion ahead. In addition, we are aware of the situation with the Ukrainian side, which now even legally excludes the possibility of negotiations for itself. Therefore, this process is lengthy, but the Chinese constructive position appeals to us," Peskov said.

Background: Ahead of his visit to China, on 15 May, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin granted a written interview to Chinese news agency Xinhua. In it, he reiterated his narrative regarding the war with Ukraine, once again demanded guarantees for the aggressor country Russia and complained about the sanctions imposed on it.

Why this is important: Russia invaded and occupied Ukrainian Crimea and parts of Donbas back in 2014. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, attacking peaceful settlements across the country with missiles and bombs overnight. In the first days, Russian propagandists notably spread statements about how "Russia will take Kyiv in three days". Russian soldiers advancing on Kyiv even had ceremonial dress uniforms with them to wear while marching through Khreshchatyk Street in those "three days".

However, Ukraine's Armed Forces managed to drive the Russians out of the city of Kyiv and Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. They are continuing to hold back the Russians on other fronts.

Feeling that victory was unattainable, Russia began to spread the idea of "peaceful negotiations", by which it wanted to retain all the occupied territories. Meanwhile, the Russians are continuing to terrorise Ukraine, striking energy and civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, often at night.

The Russian army is suffering significant losses despite a vast amount of weapons and equipment. And as of the beginning of May, after over 10 years of war and over two years of full-scale invasion, the Russians have not achieved even the slightest strategic victory, which is reaching the borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Battles for every street and building are ongoing in the cities and villages in Ukraine's east. Russia is attempting to look for weapons and mercenaries in other countries.

Putin, in his speeches and statements, continues to distort reality, trying to portray Russia as a victim while seeking support from China and North Korea. In particular, he is purchasing missiles from North Korea, launching them on peaceful settlements in Ukraine.

Ukraine considers the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory, the restoration of the Ukrainian border as established in 1991, the release of all its prisoners of war, reparations payment and war criminals being held accountable as prerequisites for negotiations. All of this is outlined in Ukraine's Peace Formula.

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