European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on China to leverage its influence over Russia to promote meaningful participation in peace negotiations concerning the Ukraine-Russia conflict. In a recent statement, she drew a parallel between China’s sway over Moscow and the European Union’s impact on Kyiv, emphasizing the strategic importance of engaging major global powers in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Von der Leyen’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with the conflict entering its second year. The European Union has been a key player in sanctioning Russia and providing support to Ukraine, while China has maintained a more neutral stance, offering limited direct support to Russia despite its growing economic ties to Moscow. This has led to calls for greater Chinese involvement in the diplomatic process, particularly given its significant economic influence over Russia.
Analysts suggest that China’s position is driven by a desire to avoid economic sanctions while balancing its relationship with both Western nations and Russia. Von der Leyen’s appeal underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as Western leaders seek to enlist the support of major global economies in their efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The implications of this call remain unclear, as China has yet to publicly commit to any specific role in the peace process.