Norway Urges China to Leverage Russian Ties for Ukraine Peace Talks

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere called on China to use its close relationship with Russia to facilitate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking after a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Oslo on Monday, Stoere stated that China has the best and most direct access to the Russian leadership and urged Beijing to employ that channel. He noted that the war limits opportunities for deeper cooperation between Europe and China as long as Beijing remains a close partner of Moscow. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide described the dialogue with China on ending the conflict as constructive and promising, hinting that China may have indicated willingness to help bring Russia to the negotiating table. Norwegian officials advocate for unconditional negotiations starting with a ceasefire based on the current front line in Ukraine.