Firmly, Kremlin Says France Cannot Arbitrate Conflict In Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov. (Wikimedia Commons/Пресс-служба Президента России)

JAKARTA - France cannot claim the role of mediator between Moscow and Kiev, as Paris is indirectly involved in the conflict in Ukraine, Russia's presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

"Now, Paris cannot claim the role of mediator because it has actually sided with one of the parties in this conflict. What's more, Paris is involved in this conflict either directly or indirectly on the Ukrainian side," he said, launching TASS on April 10.

"So far, it's hard to imagine any mediation efforts," he continued.

Previously, in an informal meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron who was visiting Guangzhou, China last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing praised Paris' proposals regarding the political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict in Ukraine and was ready to support them.

Furthermore, the PRC Leader called on the parties involved in the conflict to assume responsibility and meet halfway, to create conditions for a political settlement.

In a joint press statement with President Macron, Chinese Leader Xi Jinping said that the Chinese Government is ready together with the French Government to call on the international community to resolve the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means.

"Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China will be firmly committed to promoting peaceful dialogue and political settlement," President Xi said, citing TASS from CCTV.

French President Emmanuel Macron himself urged President Xi to negotiate with Russia, to help end the war in Ukraine.

"Russia's aggression in Ukraine has dealt a blow to (international) stability," President Macron told President Xi, standing beside the Chinese president outside the Great Hall of the People ahead of their meeting.

"I know I can count on you to bring Russia back to common sense and everyone back to the negotiating table," President Macron said.

In addition, President Macron also asked Leader Xi to put pressure on Russia to comply with international regulations on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.