Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said this is an important first step for China in exercising its responsibilities as a member of the UN Security Council. He encouraged China to use its influence to bring Russia to end the conflict with Ukraine as a basis for a just peace.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also welcomed the talk between leaders of China and Ukraine, describing it as an essential move in building a peace process. 

During the first phone call between Xi and Zelensky since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine early last year, China insisted dialogue and negotiations are the only viable solution for the Ukraine crisis.

After the call, Zelensky appointed Pavel Ryabikin, Ukraine’s former Minister of Strategic Industries as its new Ambassador to China. Ukraine has not had an ambassador in Beijing since February 2021.