Chinese President Xi’s visit to his Russian counterpart Putin next Monday will mainly focus on handing over arms. But Xi is also expected to contact Ukrainian President Zelensky.
China insists it is neutral on the war in Ukraine, but the Chinese unveiled a peace plan in February. Zelensky has indicated several times that he wants to talk to Xi about the war between Russia and Ukraine. Americans in particular are now hoping Xi will join that conversation as well, writes the Wall Street Journal.
A smart move, thinks BNR foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg. America is trying to move Xi’s visit out of the atmosphere of conflict. Let’s see what comes out.’ In recent days, the foreign ministers of China and Ukraine have already spoken, ‘established contact’.
“Actually, it’s only about one point: a ceasefire”
According to Hammelburg, the list of topics for Xi and Putin to discuss is quite extensive. “The visit was long overdue, but now it’s official and it was announced with much fanfare.” But in reality it only revolves around one point: a ceasefire. ‘This is something that everyone actually supports.’
Fighter jets
This week, both Poland and Slovakia announced they would deliver MiG 29 fighters to Ukraine. “A breakthrough,” thinks Hammelburg. ‘Zelensky keeps asking for F16 fighter planes, now he gets Soviet-era fighters. So maybe those F16s will come.’
Poland is currently supplying four aircraft, which are in good condition. However, Slovakia’s MiGs still need to be refurbished, Hammelburg says. “But Ukraine had a very decent air force with a lot of these planes.” Russia said in response that it “will shoot down all these fighter jets”. According to Hammelburg, this is mostly “hard boasting”.
Live Blog | Day 387 of the war in Ukraine
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
