Well, it seems like President Zelensky of Ukraine is eager to have some company in his difficult times. As the US rejects China’s peace plan, Zelensky has extended a warm invitation to Xi Jinping to visit Ukraine. Because, why not? The Chinese leader just met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, so why not pop over to Ukraine for a cup of tea and a chat with Zelensky?
In a newly published Associated Press interview, Zelensky stated that he is ready to welcome Xi to Ukraine and expressed his eagerness to speak with him. Apparently, he had some contact with Xi before the war, but hasn’t heard from him since. Maybe they can catch up on old times and chat about how the war is going?
Zelensky had initially expressed his openness to China’s 12-point peace plan, but it seems like he has since changed his mind and invited China to sign on to a ‘Ukraine formula’ for peace, which wouldn’t require any territorial concessions. Of course, Zelensky has vowed to never concede an inch, but who knows how long he can hold out before Putin smells weakness?
According to the Ukrainian leader, if Bakhmut were to fall, Putin could use it as leverage to push for a ceasefire deal that would see Ukraine agree to give up territory. But don’t worry, Ukrainian officials are assuring Washington of Kiev’s steadfastness. After all, ill-advised concessions to the aggressor would only encourage Russia to intensify its attacks on democracy, giving it time to rebuild its military capabilities and resume the armed offensive against Ukraine. So, let’s just stick to the current plan and hope for the best, right?
As for Zelensky’s invitation for Xi to visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has no information on whether an invitation has been received by Beijing or whether the Chinese president would accept it. But who knows, maybe Xi is looking for a change of scenery and would love to visit a war-torn country in the midst of a conflict with a neighboring superpower.
All in all, it’s just another day in the world of international diplomacy. Zelensky is extending invitations left and right, the US is rejecting peace plans, and China is just trying to be a good global citizen. Who knows what the future holds, but at least we can all sit back and enjoy the show.
