US urges Xi to press Putin over 'war crimes' in Ukraine

March 21: The US has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to press Vladimir Putin on ceasing the "war crimes" being carried out by Russia in Ukraine.

The two will meet again on Tuesday for official talks during Xi's first visit to Moscow since the invasion.

The White House's National Security Council spokesman called on Xi to urge his Russian counterpart to withdraw troops from Ukraine.

John Kirby said seeking a ceasefire would not be enough.

"We hope that President Xi will press President Putin to cease bombing Ukrainian cities, hospitals and schools, to halt the war crimes and atrocities and to withdraw his troops," he said.

"But we are concerned that instead, China will reiterate calls for a ceasefire that leaves Russian forces inside Ukraine's sovereign territory and any ceasefire that does not address the removal of Russian forces from Ukraine would effectively ratify Russia's illegal conquests."

Putin has said he will discuss a 12-point plan proposed by Xi to "settle the acute crisis in Ukraine".

"We're always open for a negotiation process," Putin said, as the leaders called each other "dear friend".

China released its plan to end the war last month - it includes "ceasing hostilities" and resuming peace talks.

China's plan did not specifically say that Russia must withdraw from Ukraine - which Ukraine has insisted as a precondition for any talks.

Instead, it talked of "respecting the sovereignty of all countries", adding that "all parties must stay rational and exercise restraint" and "gradually de-escalate the situation".

The plan also condemned the usage of "unilateral sanctions" - seen as a veiled criticism of Ukraine's allies in the West.

On Monday, a military band gave Xi a warm welcome to Moscow at the start of the three-day visit. Putin hailed China for "observing the principles of justice" and pushing for "undivided security for every country".

He added that China had made" a tremendous leap forward in its development" in recent years, remarking: "We even feel a bit envious."

In return, Xi told Putin: "Under your strong leadership, Russia has made great strides in its prosperous development. I am confident that the Russian people will continue to give you their firm support."

Before Xi's arrival, Putin wrote in China's People's Daily newspaper that the two nations would not be weakened by "aggressive" US policy.

Ukrainian leaders have been publicly emphasising the common ground they have with China - respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity - but privately, they have been lobbying for a meeting or telephone call between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Xi.

This was echoed by Kirby, the US security spokesman, who urged Xi "to play a constructive role" in the effort to end the conflict by speaking with Zelensky.

The fear in Kyiv is that China's support for Russia - currently based around technology and trade - might become military, potentially including artillery shells.

Russia is a source of oil for Beijing's huge economy and is seen as a partner in standing up to the US.

In another development, Japan has announced that its Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, will visit Kyiv on Tuesday for talks with President Zelensky. He is expected to voice solidarity and support for Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

Xi's visit to Moscow comes days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for the Russian president over war crime allegations. This means Putin could technically be arrested in 123 countries - though neither China nor Russia is on that list.

Western leaders have been attempting since last February to isolate Russia, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

But they have been unable to establish a global consensus, with China, India and several African nations reluctant to condemn Putin.

(BBC)