China sought to reduce support for Ukraine ahead of summit - Zelenskiy

Russia tried with the help of China to reduce the level of representation of countries at the Global Peace Summit. In particular, Chinese diplomats were persuaded to send lower-ranking politicians to the Summit, or even to ignore it altogether. In this way, they tried to please the Kremlin, which asked them for this favour. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a press conference for journalists from the world media.

Instead, the countries were offered to join the Chinese-Brazilian proposals "blessed" by Moscow.

According to Zelensky, such actions are wrong.

I emphasise once again - every country and every leader has the right to its own position. Without breaking others. I so believe that we need to respect each other, - said Vladimir Zelensky at a press conference.

At the same time, Zelensky said that Ukraine would be ready to hear the opinions of China and Brazil regarding the end of the war, when these countries join the principles of the Peace Summit, even if their thoughts do not coincide with the opinions of the majority of the world.

We did not start the war, we are not waging it on Russian territory. The war is being waged on the independent territory of the state of Ukraine. By the way, this independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty - which I consider one of the successes of this Summit - was recognised by absolutely all participants of the Summit, by the majority of the world. This gives powerful support for Ukraine.

Therefore, as soon as Brazil and China join the principles that united all of us here, civilised countries, we will be happy to hear their views, sometimes even if they do not coincide with the majority of the world. It is normal to hear, to join forces to end the war," he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added that Ukraine has never positioned China as an enemy, but would like it to be its friend.

Zelensky recalled that China and Ukraine were serious economic partners and this partnership was hindered by Russia, which blocked the Black Sea, through which the main trade exchange with China took place.

We shall remind you that China did not take part in the Peace Summit in Switzerland. The United States said it believed that Beijing had refused to participate in the summit at Moscow's request.