Zelensky invites Xi to visit Ukraine - report

By REUTERS

Published: MARCH 29, 2023 07:33

Updated: MARCH 29, 2023 09:04

Chinese President Xi Jinping claps after his speech as China's new Politburo Standing Committee members meet the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China October 25, 2017. (photo credit: REUTERS/JASON LEE) — Chinese President Xi Jinping claps after his speech as China's new Politburo Standing Committee members meet the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China October 25, 2017.

(photo credit: REUTERS/JASON LEE)

Ukraine has welcomed China's diplomatic involvement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

"We are ready to see him here," Zelensky told the news agency in an interview.

Xi has not talked to Zelensky since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year but China published a 12-point plan for "a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis" last month.

Xi discussed the conflict with his "dear friend," Russian President Vladimir Putin, while on a state visit to Moscow last week, although the talks did not show progress on how to end the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 21, 2023 (credit: REUTERS)

What was the outcome of Xi's meeting with Putin?

China's proposal includes a call for de-escalation and an eventual ceasefire in Ukraine.

But the United States has been dismissive of the proposal, given that China has declined to condemn Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The United States says a ceasefire now would lock in Russian territorial gains and give Putin's army more time to regroup.

Ukraine has welcomed China's diplomatic involvement but Zelensky has said he will only consider peace settlements after Russian troops leave Ukrainian territory.