Polish Foreign Minister Says Only China Can Force Russia Ceasefire in Ukraine War

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski asserted that China is the only country with sufficient leverage to force Russia to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Sikorski highlighted China's influence over Moscow, referencing Beijing's previous intervention in prompting Russian troop withdrawal from Kazakhstan in 2022 as an example of its power. While Chinese officials have expressed support for a ceasefire, Sikorski emphasized that verbal support alone is insufficient without concrete pressure on Russia. Chinese motivations for the continuation of the war include avoiding isolation by Western powers, maintaining a strategic partnership with Russia, and diverting global attention from Taiwan. Despite some optimism about China's potential role, U.S. retired General David Petraeus expressed skepticism about relying on Beijing to end the conflict, instead advocating for increased support to Ukraine from its allies. The conflict's escalation and Russia's persistence have raised concerns across Europe about the risk of a broader war, with many viewing the situation as a prolonged war of attrition rather than a short military campaign.