Ukraine war

Russia supports China's peace proposal for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin sees off Chinese leader Xi Jinping after a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on Tuesday. (Photo: Sputnik/AFP-JIJI)

Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that China's suggestions might serve as the foundation for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

At a news conference following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin stated that many elements match Russia's view and may serve as a draft when the West and Kyiv are ready for peace.

"We evaluated the Ukrainian scenario. We believe that many of China's peace plan principles are consistent with Russian ideas and can serve as a foundation for a peaceful settlement when the West and Kyiv are prepared. Yet, we have not noticed such preparedness on their part thus far, "He emphasized.

While speaking with Xi, Putin stated that the United Kingdom revealed its intention to equip Ukraine with armour-piercing bullets containing depleted uranium.

"If this occurs, Russia will have no choice but to retaliate in kind, as the collective West has already begun to employ nuclear weapons," he warned.

Regarding economic cooperation, Putin stated that Russia and China have been increasing payments in their respective national currencies and expect to continue this trend.

"National currencies have been increasingly utilized in international trade. This approach should be fostered further, and the mutual presence of financial and banking institutions on the markets of our respective nations should be increased, "he stated.

Putin claims that Russian-Chinese trade reached a record $185 billion despite sanctions, of which two-thirds was paid for in rubles and yuan.

"We support using the Chinese yuan in transactions between the Russian Federation and Asian, African, and Latin American nations," he stated.

Putin stated that the two leaders want to sign two joint statements: one regarding the deepening of Russian-Chinese relations and the other regarding developing the critical areas of economic cooperation between Russia and China until 2030.

"These two agreements will establish future rules and long-term objectives for implementing national development projects," he stated.

The agreement's implementation, which includes 82 investment projects totalling over $165 billion, would be reviewed by a unique mechanism established by the two nations — a meeting of cabinet secretaries, he said.

Putin referred to Russia as a "strategic provider" of oil and gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, and electricity to China, saying that the total volume of gas deliveries will be "at least" 98 billion cubic meters and 100 million tons of LNG by 2030.

Moreover, the parties agreed on the annual delivery of 50 billion cubic meters of gas via the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline from Russia to China via Mongolia.

According to Xi, Russia and China are continually extending their areas of cooperation.

"Our partnership is constantly expanding in breadth. We have achieved remarkable successes, and developing our cooperation is being carried out effectively, "he remarked.

He advocated deepening coordination and contact between the two nations "to obtain further benefits from actual cooperation."

The Chinese leader stated, "Mr President, I am prepared to define a plan for the growth of bilateral ties and practical collaboration in the interests of the prosperity and revitalization of China and Russia."

Xi is in Russia on a three-day state visit. On the first day, he met with Vladimir Putin informally; earlier today, he met with Mikhail Mishustin.

Publish : 2023-03-22 10:33:00

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