China responds to Russian threats to strike Kyiv by urging restraint and calling against escalation
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, commenting on Russia's threats to carry out "systematic strikes on facilities in Kyiv", called on the "relevant parties" to refrain from escalating hostilities.
Source: Ukrinform
Details: Mao Ning said that China's position on the "Ukrainian crisis", the term officially used in China for Russia's war against Ukraine, was consistent and clear, adding that Beijing believed dialogue and negotiations were the only viable way to resolve the conflict.
In response to journalists' questions, the diplomat issued a general appeal to all sides to avoid escalating the fighting and to resume negotiations.
She called on the relevant parties to work together to stop the escalation as soon as possible and create conditions for the resumption of dialogue and negotiations.
When asked whether China would respond to what was described as Russian pressure by evacuating diplomats from its embassy in Kyiv, the spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied such a possibility.
Background:
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 25 May and "officially informed" the American side that the Russian army was beginning "systematic strikes on facilities in Kyiv" allegedly used by the Ukrainian military.
- Amid the renewed Russian threats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said it was ready to assist with strengthening security for foreign diplomatic missions that request support.
- EU Ambassador to Kyiv Katarína Mathernová stated that Western diplomats would not leave Kyiv despite Russian threats of further strikes.
- Rubio also said that Lavrov had asked him during a phone call to convey a message from Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to US President Donald Trump that Russia would strike Kyiv.
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