Dramatic breakthrough out of reach

The recent talks between US and Russian delegations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offer a glimmer of hope that progress is being made toward at least a limited ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

With the two sides remaining far apart on key issues, the mere fact that talks took place, with the US, Russian and Ukrainian delegations together at the same venue, signals a potential shift from battlefield escalation to diplomatic engagement, a welcome development and one that aligns with China’s consistent advocacy for dialogue aimed at a permanent political settlement of the conflict.

The discussions, which lasted 12 hours, focused primarily on securing a temporary halt to attacks on Black Sea shipping and reviving the defunct Black Sea Grain Initiative — a critical agreement that facilitated Ukraine’s agricultural exports and stabilized global food prices. The US-brokered 30-day limited ceasefire, which includes preceding pledges by both sides to avoid targeting energy infrastructure, is a modest but meaningful step forward. However, given the deep mutual distrust between Moscow and Kyiv, it would seem to be jumping the gun to anticipate any sudden and dramatic breakthrough. This was highlighted by a statement released by Moscow after the consultations in Riyadh, which said due to Ukraine’s position, Russia and the United States failed to reach a joint statement.

But if a Black Sea maritime ceasefire can be put in place that allows both sides to transport grain and fuel, and resume trade in the region, the intention is then to shift the focus to the front lines, and for discussions on a peacekeeping verification mechanism on the battlefield.

China has long maintained that military force will not resolve geopolitical crises and that negotiations must take place to address the legitimate security concerns of all parties. And, as a responsible major country, it has actively promoted peace through initiatives such as the Group of Friends for Peace, which it cofounded with Brazil and other Global South nations to foster a consensus on a political resolution to the crisis. 

Speaking before the Riyadh talks and after a meeting of the Group of Friends for Peace on Thursday, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said that recent developments suggest that the conflict in Ukraine “might be approaching a turning point, with the focus shifting from the battlefield to the negotiating table”. If that is the case, all efforts to promote talks need supporting.

However, for any peace process to succeed, the international community — particularly the US and European nations — must adopt a balanced and impartial approach. While Washington’s recent mediation efforts are commendable, lasting peace will only be possible if the security interests of both Russia and Ukraine are considered fairly. The US must resist the temptation to impose one-sided conditions, which would only allow resentment to fester. Moreover, Europe’s historical tensions with Russia should not be allowed to derail the negotiations; instead, European leaders should engage constructively to help bridge differences rather than inflame them.

The international community must work together to create conditions conducive to direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations, free from external coercion or geopolitical manipulation. Only through inclusive and equitable diplomacy can this devastating conflict be brought to a just and enduring end. The path to peace remains hard to see, but the Riyadh talks demonstrate that dialogue is not impossible and that with perseverance and diligent efforts the goal of a negotiated peace can be arrived at. China will continue to support all efforts that prioritize a ceasefire, de-escalation, and a permanent settlement of the crisis.

Editorial, China Daily