Is Beijing Sabotaging Ukraine's Peace Summit Plans? Here's What Zelenskyy Claims

Beijing has been accused by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of collaborating with Moscow to undermine a summit aimed at discussing his country's peace blueprint, indicating growing frustration with China's deepening ties with Russia.

Zelenskyy informed reporters at the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that Russia is making efforts to disrupt the summit set for mid-June by utilizing Chinese influence and its diplomats, as reported by Bloomberg.

Photo Credit: PTI

Is Beijing Sabotaging Ukraine's Peace Summit? Here's what we know

In his keynote speech earlier, the Ukrainian president appealed for Asian leaders to participate in the summit to help find a path to end Russia's war. "We want Asia to be informed about what is happening in Ukraine," Zelenskyy stated on Sunday. "The support of Asian countries is crucial. It is greatly needed."

China has not immediately responded to Zelenskyy's comments. The Ukrainian leader has intensified his international visits since last week, coinciding with Russia's buildup of troop formations near Ukraine's northeast border and increased air attacks. He aims to garner support among foreign leaders, including those from the so-called Global South, for the June 15-16 summit.

Over 100 countries and 75 heads of state have confirmed their participation, according to Zelenskyy. Switzerland has scheduled the Ukraine conference following a meeting of the Group of Seven in Borgo Egnazia, Italy. While several G-7 leaders plan to attend, President Joe Biden is not slated to be there, Bloomberg News reported, and China has indicated it won't attend.

The US has been encouraging some countries to participate in the conference, while China is working against it, Zelenskyy noted. China and Brazil have called for an international conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine to discuss proposals to halt the war, presenting an alternative to Kyiv's Western-backed peace plan.

Zelenskyy stated that Asian leaders taking part in his proposed summit will play a role in global defence and help foster unity against the war. The event will address nuclear weapons, food security, and the release of prisoners of war. "After the peace summit, when the global majority agrees on the common understandings and steps, the relevant parties will pass these to Russia, aiming for an outcome similar to the grain initiative," Zelenskyy earlier informed the forum.

Zelenskyy's rare visit to Asia comes as Russia's invasion enters its third year. Ukraine's economy relies on exporting all its grains and oilseeds to global markets, and Zelenskyy aims to ensure the safety of the unilateral Black Sea shipping passage. The Ukrainian president called into question China's ties with Russia, stating that its support for Moscow will prolong the war in Ukraine.

"You cannot say that we accept sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and at the same time be on the side of the country that violates the principles of UN Charter," he remarked about China.