More weapons on battlefield will only protract Ukraine crisis: Chinese envoy

A Chinese envoy warned Friday that more weapons on the battlefield will only protract the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

With direct negotiations now underway between Russia and Ukraine, there has been an increasing number of weapons on the battlefield with greater lethality and destructive power. This will only escalate confrontation and prolong the fighting, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"It is not conducive to achieving a ceasefire and ending the war, and runs counter to the common expectations of the international community," he told the Security Council. "We urge all parties to actively forge an atmosphere conducive to peace talks by creating conditions and providing support. We also call on the parties to the conflict to work collectively toward de-escalation and a political solution, rather than persisting with military confrontations and attacks."

He rejected the U.S. representative's smearing of China on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"Just now, the U.S. Representative, once again, spread misinformation and smeared China. This is utterly unacceptable," said Geng.

U.S. attacks against China are not based on facts and are not aimed at any solution at all. Rather, they are based on their own political agenda. It is utter political manipulation, he said.

China has never provided any lethal weapons to any party to the conflict. China has strictly controlled dual-use items. China firmly opposes any groundless accusation and political manipulation, he said.

The United States bears major responsibility for the outbreak and continuation of the conflict. It also has a responsibility to make efforts and play its role for an early end to the conflict. China urges the United States to concentrate on the ongoing diplomatic efforts and stop the boring blame game, said Geng.

China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear, he stressed. Since the start of the crisis, China has been calling for dialogue, negotiation and a political settlement. It has stayed in contact with both Russia and Ukraine and has been working consistently to promote peace talks, he said.

Together with the Global South and the wider international community, China is willing to play a constructive role in seeking real peace, he said.

The Chinese envoy also called on Russia and Ukraine to maintain the momentum of peace talks.

Russia and Ukraine, which have recently held direct negotiations in Istanbul and agreed on the exchange of prisoners, will soon hold a second round of direct talks. China welcomes these positive developments and supports all efforts towards peace, said Geng.

The parties to the conflict should demonstrate political will, maintain the momentum of peace talks, and address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and consultation, so as to ultimately realize a political settlement, said Geng.

The parties to the conflict should earnestly abide by international humanitarian law and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure under any circumstances, he said.

(Cover: A man looks at a house destroyed by a Russian drone attack in a residential area of Odesa district, Odesa region, Ukraine, May 26, 2025. /VCG)