China reacts to Zelenskyy's accusations regarding Ukraine's Peace Summit

Chinese officials have responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement that Russia and China are attempting to undermine Ukraine’s Peace Summit in Switzerland. 

As reported by The Guardian, asked about the impending event in Switzerland in mid-June, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning stated that Beijing has never "fanned fire or fuelled the flames" of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

At the same time, China acknowledges that all initiatives to encourage peaceful measures in this war are legitimate, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman added.

According to Mao, China prioritises its relationship with Ukraine and remains its greatest trade partner. She also added that China's position on the peace conference is "open and transparent".

"We believe that we can get the understanding and support of all parties," Mao said.

On Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of supporting efforts to deter the leaders from attending the summit in Switzerland.

"Regrettably, Russia, using Chinese influence on the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit," Zelenskyy said.

"It is unfortunate that such a big, independent, powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin," Zelensky added.

On Friday, 31 May, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland did not match all of Beijing's standards for such an event, making it unlikely to be presented there.

China has close ties with Russia and refrains from criticising its invasion of Ukraine. Western governments have repeatedly accused the Chinese government of helping Russia wage war. At the same time, China offered its assistance in a peaceful settlement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the leaders of the US and China to personally participate in the Peace Summit.