Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Cites “Serious Obstacles” to Peaceful Resolution with Ukraine, Praises China’s Role in Negotiations

Lavrov, during his meeting with the Chinese envoy Li Hui in Moscow, praised the “positive” role of Beijing seeking to persuade Moscow and Kiev to sit at the negotiating table.

“The minister reiterated Moscow’s commitment to a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict, noting that there are serious obstacles emanating from Ukraine and its Western supporters to the resumption of peace negotiations,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement added: “Lavrov expressed his gratitude to China for its balanced stance on the Ukrainian crisis, and his deep appreciation for Beijing’s willingness to play a positive role in its settlement.”

What is China doing?

• China’s envoy Li Hui, who previously held the position of Beijing’s ambassador to Moscow, is on a tour of Europe a week ago.

• When the Chinese envoy visited Kiev earlier this month, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed the need to “respect the territorial integrity” of Ukraine.

• During his visit to Germany, the German government asked the Beijing envoy to “put pressure” on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

• Russia and China maintain close relations, and Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow in March, declaring that relations between the two countries are “entering a new era.”

• China says it is neutral in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, but has been criticized for refusing to condemn Russia’s military operations.