An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has lauded Trump for seeking Chinese “assistance” in resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, some experts and European officials remain skeptical about trusting China’s intentions.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential administration, expressed his support for President Trump’s attempts to make Xi Jinping of China less reliant on Russia. He remarked, “It’s great that this meeting happened… Perhaps it will initiate a dialogue, encouraging China to push Russia towards ending the war.”
Yermak also urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin, calling him “Volodya,” that it’s time to cease hostilities, saying, “Everyone is tired of you.”
Trump’s engagement with Xi began during his second term, specifically in South Korea, as they discussed potential collaborative efforts to bring the three-year-long conflict to a close.
Trump remarked on their collaboration, stating, “Both sides are entrenched in this conflict, and at times, you need to let them sort it out. I find it frustrating. But [Xi] will assist us, and we will address the issue of Ukraine together.”
During their talks, Trump noted that the focus was primarily on peace rather than imposing sanctions on Russian energy, though he didn’t elaborate on how the U.S. and China might effectively cooperate to end the war.
This month, Trump enacted sanctions against Russia’s leading state-owned oil firms, yet China continues to be the largest buyer of Russian energy resources.
One European official pointed out that a key way China could aid in ending the conflict would be to halt its oil purchases from Russia, which Trump has highlighted as the main financial backbone for Russia’s military efforts.
However, Trump clarified that his discussions with Xi weren’t heavily centered on energy sanctions. “China’s been buying oil from Russia for ages. Russia plays a crucial role for them,” he explained, adding that their dialogue was predominantly about collaboration to resolve the war.
Trump emphasized that their conversations strictly revolved around Ukraine, stating that even China’s assertive claims over Taiwan, a matter Xi considers crucial, were not part of their discussions. “Our primary focus was on the Ukraine conflict. Taiwan was never a topic,” he noted.
China has historically supported Russia, and Xi’s potential influence over Putin has been regarded as a tool that could be used to address the war, a perspective that goes back to the Biden administration. Nevertheless, the actual motivations behind Beijing’s potential push to end the conflict remain ambiguous.
Some analysts are doubtful that China will follow through on Trump’s apparent commitment to help settle the war, given the strong ties between the two nations. “China appears to be assisting Russia in its efforts to win,” one European official remarked. “They gain from having Putin in power.”
Although China claims neutrality, Kyiv has indicated that it provides civilian supplies and even military intelligence to Russia, which can be used against Ukraine.
“China’s backing Russia by delivering material and intelligence support,” commented George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War. He pointed out that China’s involvement in the conflict in Europe serves its interests, complicating U.S. defense strategies.
Moreover, Barros noted that China and Russia share ideologies regarding territorial claims, suggesting that it would be less beneficial for China if Russia were to withdraw from the conflict.
“China is effectively investing in Russia’s success in this war as part of a broader strategy to normalize aggression against democracies, which may ultimately suit China’s ambitions in Asia,” he stated, referencing Taiwan.
John Hardy from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies echoed similar skepticism regarding China’s willingness to aid in stopping the war, saying, “I don’t see China offering significant help. They have little to gain but a lot to lose.”
In contrast, Trump, who has often voiced his concerns about the human cost of the conflict, stressed that efforts to stop the violence should transcend profits or political motives.
He emphasized, “This won’t influence China nor us. I’d like them to keep that in perspective. It’s painful to witness thousands, mostly young soldiers, lose their lives.” He added, “This isn’t costing us anything. In fact, we’re gaining financially, but I’d rather not discuss profits in this context.”
Trump’s remarks come as the U.S. continues supplying military aid to NATO, which is funneled to Ukraine, while China attempts to position itself as a prospective mediator.
A collaborative initiative from both governments to facilitate peace could signal a significant geopolitical change, though Trump did not outline specific plans for this collaboration.
Regardless, Trump’s statements indicate a potential easing of U.S.-China tensions and a new chapter in the quest for peace in one of Europe’s most serious conflicts in decades.
