BEIJING – On Tuesday, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at the request of the latter.

According to sources, Kuleba briefed Wang on the first round of Ukraine-Russia talks, emphasizing that the end of the war is Ukraine's top objective.

Ukraine remains open to a negotiated solution to the present situation and approaches talks with Russia with a positive attitude, according to Kuleba, who also stated that despite current challenges, the Ukrainian side remains calm and eager to move the talks forward.

 Kuleba saying that China has played a positive role in the Ukrainian issue, and Ukraine is willing to expand communication with the Chinese side and looks forward to China's mediation in securing a truce.

Wang stated that the situation in Ukraine has rapidly altered, and that China regrets the escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the suffering caused to civilians. China's basic attitude on the Ukrainian issue is open, clear, and consistent, and it always stands for respecting all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, Wang added.

Concerning the current crisis, China urges Ukraine and Russia to resolve the matter through discussions, and it backs any positive international efforts aimed at achieving a political settlement,  Wang said.

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