Ukraine rejects China overture for immediate ceasefire

Mediation by Beijing, seen as supporting Russia, never stood much of a chance

- Jonathan Eyal

LONDON - Ukraine has rejected a Chinese suggestion to consider an immediate ceasefire in the country's war with Russia.

In a statement issued on Wednesday after a day of closeddoor meetings with Ambassador Li Hui, China's special mediator in the conflict, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: "Ukraine does not accept any proposals that would involve the loss of its territories or the freezing of the conflict."

The failed diplomatic effort comes just as the war is growing in intensity, with the Ukrainian military making final preparations for its long-expected offensive and the Russians accelerating missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and military installations.

China's mediation effort never stood much of a chance, partly because of the widespread belief among Ukrainian officials that, despite its declarations of neutrality, Beijing is supporting Russia's position in the war and partly because China's plan to end the war seems to just consist of calls to stop the fighting, something that would leave the Russians in occupation of 17 per cent of Ukraiapproximately nian territory.

The fact that Mr Li, the Chinese envoy, is an old "Russia hand" having spent more than a decade as Chinese ambassador to Russia, where he authored articles praising the "back-to-back and shoulder-by-shoulder" relations tween Beijing and Moscow - did not help his Ukraine mission either.