NSC Kirby: World Should Not Be Fooled By Russian Attempt To Freeze Conflict

White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby has provided an update on the ongoing visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin.

• Kirby repeated much of the sceptism of the past week over a move by China to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine: "China has already issued a 12-point plan for conflict in Ukraine which includes an essential point: Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries."
• Kirby: "We encourage President Xi to advocate for this point which must include the withdrawal of Russian forces from sovereign Ukrainian territory consistent with the UN charter... The entire world would like to see this war end. Especially the Ukrainians."
• Kirby: "We are concerned that China will reiterate calls for a ceasefire that leaves Russian forces inside Ukraine's sovereign territory. Any ceasefire that does address the removal of Russian forces from Ukraine would essentially ratify Russia's illegal conquests, enabling Russia to entrench its position and restart the war at a more advantageous time for them."
• Kirby: "The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russian, aided by China, to freeze the war on its terms."