Lukashenko: Xi Jinping To Make "Consequential" Statement On Ukraine

Belarus state media BelTA carrying comments from Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko claiming that Chinese President Xi Jinping is shortly due to make a "consequential" statement on Ukraine.

• Lukashenko: "I know that Xi Jinping will make a statement or a speech about the conflict in Ukraine today or tomorrow. [...] it is an unusual step in Chinese politics. The Chinese are scrupulous and careful... If they understand that it cannot produce the desired results, they won't take steps in this direction either."
• Lukashenko: “...I advise those, to whom Xi Jinping will address his words, to take them seriously... It will be a serious voice in the name of peace in this region.”
• According to BelTA, Lukashenko is "convinced" that Xi's comments will "not be geared towards confrontation..." and says he is, "100% convinced that Russians are inclined towards ending this conflict."
• China's top diplomat Wang Yi announced at the Munich Security Conference last week that China was preparing to unveil a peace plan for the conflict - expected to call for a ceasefire and caseation of weapons deliveries - but it is unlikely that Kyiv will consider peace talks unless a complete withdrawal of Russian forces is on the cards.