As Russia continues to invade Ukraine, the UK has stepped up its military support to provide air defense missiles and unmanned aerial systems, including long-range attack drones, to the Ukrainian army. Brexit minister Rishi Sunak recently met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the delivery of military supplies and called for more cooperation among Ukraine’s allies to provide fighter jets. The UK has been a significant military supporter of Ukraine, providing armored vehicles, tanks, ammunition, and training to thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, with a total of £2.3bn ($2.9bn) worth of military support provided in 2022 alone.
Sunak emphasized that it is in everybody’s interest to ensure Ukraine succeeds and that Putin’s aggression is not rewarded; thus, the UK must not let Ukraine down. This move comes as a gesture of solidarity amid Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine, with fighting intensifying in the area bordering Russia.
China offers to mediate but raises concerns about its intentions
China’s President Xi Jinping has offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine in a phone call to his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The statement released by the Chinese government did not mention Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it has been revealed that Xi wants to establish a “political settlement” to the conflict.
This announcement marks a significant move for China, which has previously taken a neutral stance towards the conflict and abstained in a UN Security Council vote on Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Experts have expressed skepticism about China’s ability to act as a peacemaker since it has a friendly relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, and it is currently the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas after the US and its allies cut off most purchases.
China’s offer appears to be a way for the country to increase its presence in Eastern Europe further and establish ties with other governments in the region. Some European officials regard this as an attempt to gain leverage over the European Union. Mediating between Ukraine and Russia could provide China with an opportunity to boost its influence in the region, though its intentions are still a matter of concern.
China’s foreign policy has been one of avoiding involvement in other nations’ conflicts to favor economic development, and this offer could be a significant shift for the Chinese government. However, it is worth noting that China has played a role as a mediator before, with Saudi Arabia and Iran re-establishing diplomatic relations with Chinese mediators’ assistance.
Conclusion
As the aggression in Ukraine deepens, the UK continues to support the Ukrainian army, providing much-needed air defense missiles and unmanned aerial systems. China has made its move, offering to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, but its intentions remain a question mark. While some European officials have expressed concerns about China’s growing influence, one thing is clear: the world must unite in solidarity to ensure Russia’s aggression does not go unpunished. It is in everyone’s interest to ensure Ukraine succeeds, and we cannot let them down.
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