Zelenskiy invites Xi to visit Ukraine - AP

By Reuters March 29, 2023 | 12:32 am PT

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visits a site of residential buildings recently damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine March 27, 2023. Photo by Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

"We are ready to see him here," Zelenskiy told the news agency in an interview.

Xi has not talked to Zelenskiy since Russia's attacks in Ukraine in February last year but China published a 12-point plan for "a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis" last month.

Xi discussed the conflict with his "dear friend", Russian President Vladimir Putin, while on a state visit to Moscow last week, although the talks did not show progress on how to end the war.

China's proposal includes a call for a de-escalation and eventual ceasefire in Ukraine.

Ukraine has welcomed China's diplomatic involvement but Zelenskiy has said he will only consider peace settlements after Russian troops leave Ukrainian territory.