Ukraine at OSCE: Appearance of Chinese nationals on battlefield is further evidence that Russia has rejected peace
Yurii Vitrenko, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, said that the involvement of Chinese nationals in the war in Ukraine along with the North Korean military shows Russia's unwillingness to follow a peaceful path.
He said this during a regular meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
He emphasized that the intensity of hostilities is increasing, and noted that the number of combat clashes over the past week has reached 160 daily. He pointed out that the inclusion of Chinese nationals in the ranks of the Russian army, along with the North Korean military, is further evidence that Moscow has no intention of achieving peace, but is instead expanding the war.
He also drew attention to the Kremlin's plans to hold the West 2025 military exercises with Belarus, which could become a cover for new offensive operations.
"From the point of view of today, has Russia used the opportunity provided by the United States to demonstrate goodwill and build at least a minimum level of trust? No. Moscow has used the last 30 days to manipulate diplomatic efforts, escalate the war and kill as many Ukrainians as possible, trying to break our resistance through terror," Vitrenko said.
Vitrenko also commented on the statement by Kremlin spokesman Peskov, who called for a ceasefire but also mentioned "misunderstandings" and issues that remain unresolved. "If anything is 'in the air,' it is Russian missiles, drones and artillery shells," he said, referring to recent attacks.
Vitrenko added that during the so-called "energy truce" Russia killed more Ukrainians than during the previous 15 days of the war.
While Ukraine is working on international efforts to achieve a just peace, he emphasized the importance of peace negotiations, which should be based on international law, the UN Charter and the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
"We need a peace without compromise on Ukraine's territorial integrity, its right to self-defense and its right to determine its future. A peace that restores justice for Ukraine and makes Russia accountable for its crimes," Vitrenko summarized.
