White House welcomes Zelensky's talks with China's leader

The White House welcomed the news that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, but expressed reservations about whether the conversation could lead to "any meaningful peace movement or plan."

This was stated by John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator of the US National Security Council, CNN reports.

"We welcome the news of the phone call between President Xi and President Zelensky. We think this is good. We have long said that we think it's important for President Xi and Chinese officials to hear the Ukrainian perspective on this illegal and unprovoked invasion by Russia," Kirby said.

"Whether that will lead to any meaningful peace movement, plan, or proposal, I just don't think we know that right now," he added.

Asked whether China could help broker a peace deal, Kirby reiterated that it would have to be on Zelenskiy's terms, saying that a deal would not be sustainable or credible unless Ukrainians and President Zelenskiy personally supported it.

Kirby said the White House had no prior knowledge that a call between Xi and Zelenskiy would take place, adding, We didn't necessarily expect it.

Author - Olena Madiak, 26/04/2023