Read also: China and Putin working together on Moscow-favorable ‘peace plan,’ says political scientist

"What we need to see from China is to push Russia to withdraw its troops and so that Ukraine can have all of its territory back and can be fully sovereign again in all aspects of that word," Burns said.

He added that it would be beneficial if China pressured Russia to stop bombing Ukrainian schools, hospitals, and apartment buildings, as Ukraine’s civilian casualties continue to mount.

Burns said the recent conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a "good first step," but it is unclear whether any action will be taken.

Read also: Ukraine nears all-for-all prisoner swap, Zelensky on holding of Bakhmut, Sevastopol struck

"We would like to see China be much more tough-minded in its advice to the Russians; we'd like to see action to end the war as quickly as possible in terms, of course, that the Ukrainian government can accept," he said.

Read also: Zelenskyy and Xi Jinping in first conversation since Russian invasion

Burns added that the United States is closely monitoring the issue of China potentially providing lethal aid to Russia, but Washington has not seen evidence of this yet.

On April 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had his first conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Read also: Two people killed in Russian strike on Pavlohrad, Zelenskyy says

According to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson Hua Chunying, Ukraine requested the conversation. China plans to send a government envoy to deepen communication around the political settlement of the Russian war, which Beijing refers to as the “Ukrainian crisis.”

On the same day, Zelenskyy appointed former Minister for Strategic Industry, Pavlo Ryabikin, as Ukraine’s new Ambassador to China.

Read also: China benefits from prolonging the war in Ukraine, Czech president says

On Feb. 24, China published a document outlining its position on the "settlement" of Russia's war against Ukraine, including a call for a ceasefire and negotiations, but not a withdrawal of Russian troops.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine