China calls for direct talks between Moscow, Kyiv

ultimate way out of this crisis,” Zhang said in his address to the UN Security Council. The ambassador noted that the return to “the track of diplomatic negotiations and a political settlement,” and the promotion of the de-escalation of the crisis as soon as possible are of utmost importance to “prevent a full-scale humanitarian crisis.” Zhang added that “the international community should provide favorable external conditions” for further dialogue and the diplomatic settlement of the situation in Ukraine. On Thursday, Russia launched the special operation in Ukraine responding to calls for help from the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population is not in danger. Since then, hostilities have been taking place in Ukraine, and the West has been increasing sanctions pressure on Moscow.