'Significant gap between Ukraine & Russia on talks'
China sees major differences between Russia and Ukraine on the idea of a negotiated settlement to end the war, Beijing's Eurasia envoy Li Hui said on Friday after wrapping up a tour. Beijing has sought to position itself as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, calling for a political settlement and holding several rounds of talks. Briefing media and diplomats in Beijing after his trip to Russia, Ukraine and European Union states, Li said he saw a "significant gap" between Kyiv and Moscow on the subject of peace talks. Despite the "bumpy road ahead", the envoy said, "at the end they all agree that the war must be resolved through negotiations rather than guns". All parties, Li said, "recognise the danger of the current situation continuing to deteriorate". "And they all agree with China's call for the situation to cool down," he added, saying they "expect China to play a more constructive role". In recent talks in Russia, Li said on Friday, Moscow said it "appreciates China's second round of global diplomacy". Moscow also believes "the crisis ultimately needs to be resolved through negotiation", he said. (AFP)