Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

When asked to comment on reports stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear. "We support all efforts that promote peace and hope the relevant parties will continue to engage in dialogue and negotiations to reach a fair, lasting, binding, and mutually acceptable peace agreement, ultimately leading to a political resolution of the issue."

In what is regarded by media as "an ultimatum," leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland told Russian president to accept unconditional ceasefire by Monday or face increased sanctions and weapons transfers to Ukraine, The Guardian reported. 

Putin has rejected the ultimatum by European leaders, but has proposed holding direct negotiations with Ukraine this week, The Guardian reported. 

When asked to comment on this matter as well as US President Trump's call for major powers to play a more active role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Lin stated: "We support all efforts aimed at peace and hope that the parties involved will continue to reach a fair, lasting, binding, and mutually acceptable peace agreement through dialogue and negotiation, ultimately achieving a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis. We have always believed that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable paths to resolving the Ukraine crisis. China is willing, based on the willingness of the parties involved, to work constructively with the international community to ultimately resolve the crisis and achieve lasting peace."

Global Times