China responds to Russian threats of more strikes on Kyiv by urging restraint and warning against escalation
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has commented on Russia's threats to carry out "systematic strikes on facilities in Kyiv", calling on the "relevant parties" to refrain from escalating hostilities.
Source: Ukrinform
Details: Mao Ning said that China's position on the "Ukraine crisis" (the term officially used in China for Russia's war against Ukraine) is consistent and clear: Beijing believes that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way to resolve the conflict.
In response to journalists' questions, the diplomat issued a general appeal to all sides to refrain from escalating the fighting and to resume negotiations.
She urged the parties to work together to stop the escalation as soon as possible and create conditions for the resumption of dialogue and negotiations.
Asked whether China would give in to what was described as Russian blackmail and evacuate diplomats from its embassy in Kyiv, the spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied the possibility.
Background:
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 25 May and "officially informed" the Americans that the Russian army was beginning "systematic strikes on facilities in Kyiv" that Russia claims are being used by the Ukrainian military.
- Amid the renewed Russian threats, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said it stands ready to assist in strengthening security for foreign diplomatic missions that request support.
- EU Ambassador to Kyiv Katarína Mathernová has stated that Western diplomats will not be leaving Kyiv despite Russia's threats of further strikes.
- Rubio also said that Lavrov had asked him during a phone call to pass on a message from Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to US President Donald Trump that Russia would strike Kyiv.
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