Russia and Chinese envoy Li Hui have rejected Western ultimatums to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, a solution they consider unachievable without Moscow's involvement. “The ultimatums given to Russia by Kiev and the West and the associated dialogue formats only affect the prospects for a solution and cannot serve as a basis,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Li Hui, the Chinese government's representative for Eurasian affairs, has arrived in Russia to resume international talks on Beijing's peace initiative; and had a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in Moscow last night. He will then also travel to Ukraine, Germany, France, Poland and Belgium. “It was noted that any discussion of a political-diplomatic solution is impossible without the participation of Russia and taking into account its interests in the security sphere,” the official statement said. Chinese foreign spokesman Mao Ning reported a few days ago that Li would visit Ukraine and other countries involved in the conflict to “advocate for a political solution” and stressed “the urgency of restoring peace.” Mao noted that China had “maintained close communication with all parties, including Russia and Ukraine” and played “a constructive role” in “facilitating dialogue.” The Chinese peace initiative presented by Li in mid-2023 was met with skepticism from the start because it defends the countries' territorial integrity but does not refer to Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian regions or the withdrawal of Russian troops.
