China's Xi speaks with Zelensky for first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine

International

26-04-2023, 23:47

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INA - SOURCES

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone Wednesday, in their first known conversation since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as Beijing ramps up efforts to position itself as a potential peacemaker in the grinding conflict.

Zelensky, who has long expressed interest in speaking with Xi, said he had "a long and meaningful phone call" with the Chinese leader that lasted for an hour. "We discussed a full range of topical issues of bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to the ways of possible cooperation to establish a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine," Zelensky said in a statement.

"There can be no peace at the expense of territorial compromises," said Zelensky.