Moscow previously stated that peace talks were impossible as long as Kiev continues its assault on Kursk Region of Russia
In a significant development aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine, the Vatican and China, two prominent advocates for a diplomatic resolution, engaged in talks this week. According to the Holy See’s official newspaper, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi had a phone conversation with Beijing’s special representative for Eurasian affairs Li Hui on Wednesday. This conversation took place as Ukrainian forces continue their attacks on civilians in Russia’s Kursk Region.
Cardinal Zuppi, who led a Ukraine peace mission last year, and the senior Chinese diplomat underscored the necessity of “fostering dialogue” between the parties involved in the conflict. They also called for “adequate international guarantees for a just and lasting peace,” as reported by Vatican News on Thursday.
In June and July 2023, the pontiff’s lead negotiator travelled to Kiev, Moscow, and Washington, and in September he visited Beijing.
“Li Hui appreciates the Vatican’s constant efforts to mediate the Ukraine crisis and provide humanitarian assistance,” the Chinese foreign ministry was quoted as saying by South China Morning Post. The statement also highlighted the “significance” of a six-point plan, jointly proposed by China and Brazil, which includes a call for a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement of the conflict.
Pope Francis’ endeavors to end the conflict in Ukraine have intensified in recent months. The Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, visited Ukraine last month and met with the country’s leadership. Following the visit, Parolin urged Russia to be included in peace negotiations, emphasizing that Kiev’s ‘peace formula’ promoted by Vladimir Zelensky was “not enough.”
The ‘peace formula’ is a list of Zelensky’s demands first presented in November 2022. These demands include, among other points, Russia’s withdrawal from all territories Ukraine claims as its own. Moscow has rejected Kiev’s formula, considering it unrealistic. The plan was the focal point of an international peace conference held in Switzerland in June, to which Russia was not invited.
China has repeatedly asserted that the conflict between Moscow and Kiev must be resolved through negotiations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba undertook a three-day visit to China in July. Following talks, Beijing stated that Kiev was prepared to engage in dialogue and negotiations with Moscow.
The Russian leadership previously expressed doubt about the sincerity of Ukraine’s statements regarding peace talks. Last week, Kiev launched an attack on Russia’s Kursk Region, marking the largest cross-border assault since the outbreak of the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that peace talks with those who “conduct indiscriminate strikes on civilians” and civilian infrastructure were impossible.