China urges dialogue and de‑escalation in Ukraine conflict at UN Security Council

China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, told the UN Security Council that Beijing’s position on the war in Ukraine remains consistent: only dialogue and negotiations can provide a viable exit. He called on the parties to exercise “maximum restraint,” respect international humanitarian law and halt attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Sun responded to a question about Russia’s recent threat to launch massive missile and drone strikes against Kyiv and foreign diplomats, saying China continues to urge the parties to create conditions for de‑escalation and restart talks. He cited the latest Russian offensive, which involved roughly 690 air strikes aimed at Kyiv and the launch of an "Oreshnik" missile at the Bila Tserkva district, resulting in about a hundred injuries and four deaths, as well as a recent drone attack on a school in Starobelsk that killed 21 students and wounded 44.

China emphasised its support for all efforts toward a comprehensive, lasting peace agreement and asked the conflict’s sides to demonstrate political will and cooperation to resolve the crisis.