During a virtual address to the Washington-based Hudson Institute, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the role of international powers in resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky explicitly stated that Beijing possesses significant influence over Moscow and argued that China should utilize this leverage to facilitate a cessation of hostilities.

Zelensky’s comments come amid speculation regarding potential diplomatic summits involving U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian leadership. While the Ukrainian president acknowledged the possibility of such high-level meetings, he expressed clear reservations about the potential outcomes. He stressed that any international negotiations must prioritize Ukraine's territorial integrity, warning that such summits must not lead to the division of his country.

While the SCMP report highlights Zelensky's appeal to China, it notes that the specific agenda for a potential meeting between the three global leaders remains unclear. The report focuses on the intersection of Ukrainian diplomatic strategy and the shifting geopolitical dynamics between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow. Zelensky’s remarks reflect a broader concern in Kyiv that international peace efforts could potentially sideline Ukrainian interests or result in territorial concessions to Russia. The report does not provide a response from Beijing or Moscow regarding these specific comments.