By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to pressure China to end its support for Russia during his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping. The Ukrainian leader stated his readiness for peace talks, excluding Russia and Belarus, but emphasized that Ukraine will not cede any territory. Zelenskyy also referenced Trump’s support for a ceasefire and highlighted the importance of continued financial aid from European allies for the next few years. The article also covers the current situation around Pokrovsk, noting ongoing conflict and Russian advances.
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Zelenskyy Urges Trump to Pressure Xi Over China’s Support For Russia In Ukraine War
Zelenskyy’s plea to Trump to lean on Xi Jinping regarding China’s backing of Russia in the Ukraine war is, at its heart, understandable. Ukraine is in a fight for its very survival, and it’s natural to seek any advantage, any potential crack in the armor of their adversary. They’ve demonstrated incredible resolve, enduring a brutal conflict, but they can’t do it alone. The reality is they need every possible avenue of influence explored, every potential ally courted. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a recognition of the stakes and a pragmatic assessment of what’s required to win.
However, the question arises – what’s the realistic expectation of success? Asking Trump to engage on this issue presents a unique set of challenges. Trump has a well-established track record of prioritizing his own interests. He often views international relations through a transactional lens, where he expects something in return for his actions. Ukraine, in its current situation, isn’t in a position to offer Trump a compelling “deal” for pressuring China. It’s a tough sell. This approach, while perhaps politically astute in some circles, may not translate well to Trump’s way of thinking.
Furthermore, Trump’s history with both China and Putin is complicated, to say the least. It’s hard to imagine him genuinely prioritizing Ukraine’s needs above his own personal agenda. This isn’t a judgment; it’s an assessment based on his past behavior. It’s crucial to understand how he perceives the situation, as he tends to prioritize those things.
Another significant hurdle is Trump’s predisposition to dismissing those he dislikes. He’s not known for cultivating strong relationships with individuals or nations he doesn’t personally favor. And we can assume he doesn’t have warm feelings towards Zelenskyy or Ukraine as a whole. This is a crucial element to consider.
The strategic challenge for Ukraine lies in framing any interaction with Trump in a way that aligns with his personal priorities. This involves presenting the situation in terms that resonate with his self-interests. Playing international politics with complex arguments about long-term geopolitical stability probably won’t get very far.
It seems Trump will be meeting with Xi to feed his own ego and arrange a meeting with Kim. It’s about Trump’s image and personal benefit. If Zelenskyy can somehow leverage this to Ukraine’s advantage – get Trump to at least subtly nudge Xi towards reducing support for Russia – it would be a major accomplishment. It would be a game changer. The stakes are immense: Without China’s support, Putin’s war machine would likely collapse swiftly.
It’s clear that China’s support for Russia is critical to the war effort. The supply of drones and drone components alone is a significant factor. Without that support, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is severely hampered. Furthermore, the volume of support that China could provide—such as, more drones per day than are used by Russia in a year— underscores the pivotal role China plays.
The argument that Ukraine should be “grateful” to China for providing the means to continue the war feels rather perverse. The reality is that China’s backing enables Russia’s aggression, prolonging the suffering and devastation in Ukraine. To suggest gratitude in this context ignores the core issue of China’s complicity in the conflict.
The geopolitical maneuvering behind China’s support is multifaceted. It’s plausible that China is using the war to distract the US and NATO from other strategic concerns, such as the South China Sea. However, the exact motivations of China are complex and can be hard to nail down.
The request to Trump, despite the significant obstacles, is a logical step. The international landscape is constantly shifting, and even unlikely events can occur. Even though there is a lot of doubt about Trump’s willingness to pressure Xi Jinping.
The current situation highlights the intricate web of international relations. The role of China, the motivations of powerful actors, and the desperate need for Ukraine to secure its future, all converge in this complex dynamic. It underscores the challenges of navigating global politics and the limitations of relying on any single strategy. And it is hard to say China will change their stance on the issue.