Xi Could Pressure Putin into a 30-Day Ceasefire, Analyst Says
Against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine, the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire remains an important topic. Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow for the parade could be a key moment that could change the Kremlin's position and force a peace agreement. However, it is unclear whether China will be able to use its influence to bring peace closer. This opinion was voiced by political scientist and head of the Centre for Analysis and Strategies Ihor Chalenko.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the broadcast of the FREEDOM TV channel.
‘I would note that there is a very good factor that could contribute to President Zelensky's plan for a 30-day ceasefire starting on 7 May. Let me remind you that Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow begins on 7 May. And it is the Chinese leader who could put pressure on Putin to change the Kremlin's point of view on the rejection of the 30-day ceasefire format,’ the expert said.
The position of the Ukrainian side on the 30-day ceasefire has not changed since 11 March, when this proposal was first voiced.
‘During this period, we really saw an energy truce that did not work at all. More than 30 attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities were recorded during that period. The Easter ceasefire, when on Sunday, 20 April, the Ukrainian General Staff officially recorded 96 military clashes. In this case, we understand that Putin needs to hold a parade, but everyone else needs peace. In this case, China could really show, not in words but in deeds, that it is a friend of the world,’ the political analyst stressed.
Now China has every opportunity to launch a ceasefire.
‘But whether this will happen remains an open question, because in this case, China is still a partner of the Russian Federation in supporting this war. We also remember this. Up to 80% of the sanctioned products come from China. Currently, gunpowder, artillery, spare parts for drones, and many, many other things are being actively supplied from China to the Russians. We also remember the 155 Chinese citizens who are currently serving on the side of the aggressor,’ Chalenko reminded.
He noted that in order to demonstrate the possibility of positioning itself as a mediator, China could give peace a chance with its clear influence.
‘We'll see, because just Xi Jinping's visit to the parade [in Moscow] without any real steps to put pressure on Putin, I think it will be a lost chance for the whole planet,’ the political analyst concluded.
As The Gaze reported earlier, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong statement regarding the upcoming participation of Serbian military personnel in Russia's May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square, hosted by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.