**China Backs US-Russia Consensus on Ukraine War**
China has supported the recent agreement between the United States and Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Ministry made this announcement on February 21.
The statement from China came after a meeting between high-level Russian officials and a U.S. delegation in Saudi Arabia. The talks were held without Ukrainian participation. China said it supports any efforts towards peace, including the recent agreement between the US and Russia.
China’s statement echoed comments made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg on February 20. Wang also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during this event.
**China Offers to Mediate**
Beijing has offered to help mediate a solution to the conflict. China has maintained its position as a neutral party and a potential mediator throughout the war. The country has close economic ties with Russia, which is under international sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine.
The US has recently changed its stance on Russia-Ukraine relations. President Donald Trump spoke directly with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, before calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This move has caused tension among European allies and has raised concerns about potential concessions to secure a deal on ending the war with Russia.
**Ukraine’s Response**
President Zelensky said that Ukraine is seeking a strong agreement with America that will really work. He also expressed hope for a meeting that restores trust between parties involved.
In another development, Google’s Threat Intelligence Group has reported a rise in Russian state-backed hacking attempts to compromise Signal messenger accounts.
**Global Reactions**
European leaders have expressed concern about potential concessions being made by the US to secure a deal with Russia. They have called on Washington to “tone it down” and take a harder look at any agreement.
Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation and Justice Ministry are preparing to nationalize Poltava Mining, a subsidiary of London-listed Ferrexpo, which is majority-owned by oligarch Konstantin Zhevago.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
