**EU Urges China to Use Influence on Russia for Ukraine Peace Talks**
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has called on China to use its close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin to help advance peace talks with Ukraine. Von der Leyen made the remarks during a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, highlighting that China’s influence over Russia is similar to how the EU influences Ukraine.
The comments come as Ukrainian and Russian delegations held a third round of talks in Istanbul, which ended without a ceasefire agreement. Russia had offered temporary ceasefires for body recovery and wounded soldiers, but rejected a complete ceasefire. The Ukrainian side proposed a summit between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin before the end of August, which has not been accepted by the Kremlin.
**EU Sees Ukraine as Willing to Negotiate**
Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU doesn’t need to pressure Ukraine, as the country is already showing willingness to negotiate. She stressed the importance of a ceasefire and direct negotiations between leaders at the table.
Despite repeated calls from Ukraine and the West, China has maintained its support for Moscow. Beijing’s close economic ties with Russia include being its top crude oil importer and supplier of dual-use components used in its defense sector.
**US Officials Echo EU’s Remarks**
U.S. officials have echoed von der Leyen’s remarks, warning that China may face consequences if Moscow rejects a peace deal. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that China needs to be called out for subsidizing the war in Ukraine.
The US has also announced plans to impose “severe” secondary tariffs on Russia unless it agrees to end the war within 50 days, aiming to cut off Russia’s oil revenue and squeezing Chinese exporters if they continue buying Russian oil.
**Chinese Foreign Minister Warns EU**
Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that Beijing cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine. This statement was reported by the South China Morning Post.
**Putin to Visit China in September**
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where he will meet Xi Jinping. The meeting has sparked speculation about potential Chinese involvement in pushing Russia towards a peace deal with Ukraine.
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