Last night, Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported: "Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that he hopes Trump will discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war with China during his visit to China."
Comments: Zelenskyy's hope for Trump to talk about a ceasefire in Ukraine during his China trip essentially reflects an attempt to leverage the 'wind' of Sino-U.S. dialogue to break the deadlock—a move that is very pragmatic. The war has dragged on for over four years, costing Ukraine nearly $195 billion in direct losses, sustained solely by foreign aid; while the U.S., despite military aid exceeding $100 billion, has now shifted its focus toward the Middle East, and its willingness to mediate has clearly declined. Looking back at history, the thawing of Sino-U.S. relations in 1972 helped ease global tensions. Today, renewed interaction between China and the U.S. naturally carries expectations of peace. China has consistently advocated for peace and dialogue. Last year, China, the U.S., and Russia jointly voted in favor of a UN resolution concerning Ukraine.
But it must be understood: the key to a Russia-Ukraine peace deal lies not in third parties, but in the bottom lines of both sides and the genuine intentions of the United States. Trump wants a "quick end"; Zelenskyy seeks to "protect sovereignty"; Putin prioritizes "security concerns." While China and the U.S. can provide a platform and facilitate communication, they cannot make decisions on behalf of the two parties. Ultimately, the end of this war must be reached through direct talks between Russia and Ukraine—external assistance can only serve as icing on the cake.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865120001540172/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.