After the discussions in Guangzhou by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, on the prospects of China mediating a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two days later President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did his best to throw cold water on the process. In a July 26 interview with Japan’s NHK TV, Zelenskyy noted the absence of China at the June so-called peace summit in Switzerland, and then allowed that, since China did not attack us, we cannot force them to participate in similar undertakings. Apparently, the just-concluded two days of discussion between the two countries’ foreign ministers had faded from Zelenskyy’s thoughts within a mere 48 hours.
In particular, Zelenskyy stressed that he cannot respond to calls for a ceasefire while Russia continues to occupy Ukrainian territory. The president said that Kyiv will start detailed discussions with relevant countries on territorial integrity and other issues. He reverted to his previous formulation, that he will create an action plan for peace by the end of November—that is, after the U.S. election. For now, he offered: “Patience, support and diplomatic pressure are the three factors for a just end to the war. If the U.S. and European nations maintain unity, it will be added pressure, and show Moscow that there is no chance.”
Otherwise, he said that he spoke by phone with Donald Trump and managed to suggest that Trump’s issues with Ukraine was based upon his lack of knowledge of the situation. He stated: “If Mr. Trump wants to know something about Ukraine, he can come and see for himself or ask me.” He added: “We have been in contact with his team. Mr. Trump told me he was available for any questions, and that I have his phone number.”
