Zelensky: Russia is exploiting China's influence to disrupt the Geneva Peace Conference

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in critical remarks, accused China of assisting Russia in undermining the Geneva Peace Conference. On Sunday, June 3, at the Shangri-La Security Conference in Singapore, Zelensky stated that China, aligned with Russia's goals, aims to dissuade other countries from attending the Geneva Peace Conference. The global peace conference is set to take place in about two weeks, focusing on Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Zelensky emphasized that Russia is using China's influence to disrupt the Geneva Peace Conference, adding, "It is regrettable that a large, independent, and powerful country like China is a tool in the hands of Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia." Previously, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, referring to Russia's lack of invitation to the Geneva Peace Conference, stated that this meeting does not meet Beijing's expectations, and for this reason, China will not participate in the event. This statement also questioned the effectiveness of the mentioned conference. Zelensky stated that the Kremlin has threatened other countries with tools, including halting agricultural and chemical exports and increasing energy prices, to prevent their participation in the Geneva Peace Conference. The focus of the peace conference, which will be held for two days starting June 15 in Switzerland, will be on three items from the 10-point peace plan proposed in November 2022: "nuclear security, food security, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children from Russia." Earlier, the International Criminal Court announced on March 15, 2023, that it had issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin on charges of participating in the "abduction of Ukrainian children." Estimates suggest that the Kremlin's army has abducted or forced the relocation of 16,000 Ukrainian children to Russian territory. Zelensky warned that time is passing and these children, far from their families, will grow up in Putin's territory in a way that they will hate their homeland. The Ukrainian President stated that at least 106 countries at high levels will participate in the Geneva Peace Conference. He also criticized the lack of preparedness of some countries to participate in this conference and urged the international community to have widespread participation in this event.