Russian Expert: Peace Initiative on Iran Issue Strengthens China's Position as a Guardian of Peace

¬ Russian Foreign Ministry: Germany Forgets Historical Lessons, Dreaming of Building the 'Strongest Army in Europe'

¬ Estonia Delivers Letter to Kyiv Regarding Ukrainian Drones Not Entering Estonian Airspace

Vladimir Nezhidnov, an expert at the Institute of Contemporary International Problems of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in an interview with Sputnik News Agency that the peace initiative proposed by China and Pakistan to resolve the Iran conflict has strengthened China’s status as a guardian of peace in the region.

On March 31, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar in Beijing. Following the talks, both sides put forward a joint initiative consisting of five points aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East region.

Nezhidnov pointed out that this initiative has enhanced China’s position as a peacebuilder in the region.

He said: "China has previously played a mediating role in the Middle East. We can recall 2023, when, under China’s mediation, Saudi Arabia and Iran resumed diplomatic relations."

The expert believes the key platform for advancing this peace initiative will be the United Nations, a body China has consistently emphasized as crucial.

Nezhidnov added: "Iran may be more willing to accept this initiative, while the acceptance from the United States and Israel might be lower."

Nezhidnov stressed that both China and Pakistan are deeply integrated into Middle Eastern politics. For instance, in autumn 2025, Pakistan signed a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, China has a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Iran spanning 25 years.

Finally, Nezhidnov said: "As close partners, China and Pakistan essentially demonstrate their desire to promptly resolve issues in regions where their major interests lie."

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly declared intent to build the 'strongest army in Europe,' indicating that Germany has forgotten historical lessons.

Zakharova said in a press briefing: "The German government's intention to create a 'strongest army in Europe' clearly shows it has forgotten both historical lessons and the words of its 'closest partner,' Zelenskyy, who claimed he possesses the strongest army in Europe."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously stated that the West now prefers to forget the conclusions of the Nuremberg Trials and the lessons of World War II, attempting to rewrite history—something most evident in the Ukraine issue.

Estonian Foreign Minister Tsahkna delivered a letter regarding Ukrainian drones not entering Estonian airspace to Serhiy Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine (listed by the Russian Federal Financial Monitoring Service as an extremist and terrorist).

Estonian Prime Minister Kallas earlier on March 1st stated that Estonia would deliver the letter to Ukraine about Ukrainian drones not being allowed to enter Estonian airspace.

Citing Tsahkna, Estonia’s national broadcaster reported: "I delivered a letter urging all measures to prevent Ukrainian drones from entering our airspace."

According to Estonia’s Postimees newspaper, as many as ten Ukrainian drones entered Estonian airspace early on March 31.

On March 31, Estonia’s National Broadcasting Company (ERR), citing Colonel Arolde, Director of Strategic Communications at the Estonian Defense Forces, reported that Ukrainian drones deviated from their course and entered Estonian airspace early in the morning. According to Postimees, one Ukrainian drone crashed in a village in eastern Estonia, approximately 30 kilometers from the border with Russia.

On March 31, Alexander Druzhin, Governor of Leningrad Oblast, which borders Estonia, stated that by 6:00 AM Moscow time, 38 Ukrainian drones had been shot down over Leningrad Oblast.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861283061486809/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.