Zelensky calls for Russia’s participation in next peace conference, ‘a consideration based on reality’

After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine wants Russia to be present at the next peace conference, analysts said on Thursday that Kiev's stance is based on pragmatic considerations, expressing hope that the longstanding conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

According to media outlet The Kiev Independent, Zelensky told French media in an interview published on Wednesday that Ukraine believes that Russia "must be present" at a second peace conference in order to end the war.

"I believe - as do most countries - that at the second peace summit in November, Russian representatives must be present, otherwise we won't achieve viable results," Zelensky reportedly said.

Zelensky had said in mid-July that he aimed to have a plan ready in November to hold a second international summit that representatives of Russia should attend, according to Reuters.

"Zelensky's remarks can be seen as a consideration based on reality, hoping to seek resolution through diplomatic means," Yang Jin, an associate research fellow with the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Yang noted that since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted, both sides have been left drained and suffering significant losses. Currently, it appears that neither side can envision achieving their ultimate goals through the continued use of force.

Zelensky's remarks came after a peace conference on the Ukraine crisis held in Switzerland in June that was marked by Russia's absence. The conference ended without any significant progress, according to observers.

"Therefore, the current signal shows Ukraine's willingness to resolve the conflict through political and diplomatic channels, indicating the country's basic stance of hoping to engage in peaceful negotiations," Yang said.

During the interview with French media, Zelensky acknowledged that China was a key player but said he did not want mediation from Beijing and instead urged it to "pressure the Kremlin" to end the conflict, France media reported. 

Chinese experts emphasized that China has not and will not exert pressure on either side. Rather, as a responsible major power, China is willing to play a constructive role in mediating the conflict.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui started a visit to Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia from Sunday to carry out the fourth round of shuttle diplomacy on the Ukraine crisis, further exchanging views with major members of the Global South on the current situation and the process of peace talks.

"On the Ukraine crisis, China always believes that to end the hostilities as soon as possible and seek a political settlement is in the interests of all parties. China is of the view that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a Monday routine press conference. 

China will continue to stand on the side of peace and dialogue, support the international community in building up more consensus, and jointly look for viable means toward a political way out of the crisis, Lin said.