Zelensky wants Xi Jinping meeting following China's peace plan

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he intends to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss Beijing's proposals for ending the conflict in Ukraine.

On the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, he said the proposal showed China was involved in the peace process.

"I really want to believe that China will not supply weapons to Russia," he said.

Peace talks and respect for national sovereignty are part of China's plan.

The 12-point document, however, does not explicitly state that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, and it also condemns the use of "unilateral sanctions," which is interpreted as a veiled criticism of Ukraine's Western allies.

So far, the Chinese authorities have not publicly responded to Zelensky's request.