China on Zelenskyy's claims on attempt to disrupt peace summit: We have never fanned fire

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning (Getty Images)

China has never "fanned fire or fuelled the flames"of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

According to her, China believes that all efforts aimed at supporting peaceful measures in the Russia-Ukraine war should be recognized.

Mao emphasized that China places great importance on its relationship with Ukraine and remains its largest trading partner. She added that China's position regarding the peace conference is very "open and transparent."

"We believe that we can get the understanding and support of all parties," Mao said.

The statement came after accusations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia and China are trying to undermine his planned global peace summit.

Earlier, Zelenskyy had said that Russia continues to attempt to derail the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland and is trying to blackmail other countries for this purpose. He added that some countries have even started to help the Kremlin in these endeavors.

Peace summit

On June 15-16, 2024, a peace summit organized by Ukraine and Switzerland will be held in Bürgenstock. This event serves as a platform for leaders from dozens of countries worldwide, united in the search for ways to achieve sustainable peace in Ukraine and beyond.

Russia has not been invited to this summit. Ukrainian authorities have made it clear that Russia's presence at this stage could hinder constructive dialogue and the search for solutions.

According to media reports, Saudi Arabia might refuse to participate in the peace summit, as could Pakistan.