President,

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča and Director Edem Wosornu for their briefings.

Recently, Russia and Ukraine held the second round of direct negotiation in Istanbul and reached consensus on issues such as the exchange of seriously injured soldiers and the remains of fallen soldiers and assisting separate children in returning to their families. Currently, relevant work is being facilitated. China welcomes these positive developments, encourages both sides to hold a new round of negotiation, and supports all efforts for peace.

At the same time, China is deeply saddened and concerned about Russia and Ukraine’s continued large-scale drone and missile attacks against each other, which have caused heavy civilian casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides. As an old Chinese saying goes, a three-foot-thick ice does not form overnight. The Ukraine crisis has dragged on, involving complex and intertwined issues and affecting the vital interests of all parties involved. Achieving a ceasefire and restoring peace is not easy and still requires sustained and relentless efforts from the international community.

I would like to emphasize three points. First, every effort must be made to protect civilians. Civilians, especially women and children, are the biggest victims of war. Parties to the conflict should strictly comply with international humanitarian law and avoid attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure under any circumstances. Second, it is essential to sustain the momentum of peace talks. Lasting solutions to ending conflicts are ultimately achieved through negotiations. China supports all parties concerned in maintaining contact, continuing negotiations, showing political will and flexibility, and reaching a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement accepted by all through dialogue and consultation. Third, favorable conditions should be established. The international community should advocate more rationally for a ceasefire, while promoting peace talks and dialogue. Greater diplomatic efforts are needed to build trust and facilitate mediation, thereby fostering a constructive environment for an early political resolution to the crisis. In this context, we urge the United States to focus on diplomatic efforts and stop its groundless accusations.

President,

China’s position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent, firm, and clear. We always stand on the side of peace, dialogue, and humanity, and support a ceasefire and a political solution. We actively carry out diplomatic mediation in accordance with the Four Shoulds proposed by President Xi Jinping, and have initiated the "Friends for Peace" Group on the Ukraine Crisis with Brazil and other Global South countries to call for peace, build consensus for peace, and promote peace efforts. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in promoting an early political solution to the crisis.

I thank you.