The White House hopes that Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, will advocate for stopping the war in Ukraine, which provides for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops.

National Security Council strategic communications coordinator John Kirby recalled that China's peace plan includes the principle of respect for the sovereignty of all countries.

US worries that China may back Putin's plan

He urged the Chinese leader to speak out for precisely this essential key point, which should include the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory in accordance with the UN charter.

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan is also based on the same UN principles,” Kirby said during a press briefing at the White House.

He stressed that the war could end immediately if Putin withdraws troops from Ukraine.

At the same time, Kirby expressed concern that China would repeat calls for a ceasefire that would leave Russian troops on sovereign Ukrainian territory.

“Any ceasefire that does not involve the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine will effectively legalize Russia's illegal seizure of Ukrainian territories,” he said.

Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow: the essentials

• Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Russia on March 20. This is his first visit to the aggressor country in 4 years. Despite this, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has not even met a politician.
• Note that the head of China will be the first world leader to meet with Putin after the Hague Tribunal issued a warrant for his arrest.
• During the conversation, Vladimir Putin said that China allegedly made a powerful step in its development, and the Chinese development system is quite effective. The dictator said that this system is more “efficient than in most countries” and he even envies China.
• The network published a photo of the menu of an informal dinner between Putin and Xi Jinping.