China on Tuesday called for intensified dialogue and diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire and political resolution in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, citing the worsening situation on the ground and the escalating toll on civilians. Speaking at a United Nations plenary meeting on "The situation in temporarily occupied Ukraine," Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the urgent need for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law to prevent further harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Sun highlighted the increase in attacks and civilian casualties since the General Assembly last addressed the issue, noting that the conflict’s negative repercussions have extended beyond the immediate region, affecting third-party countries. He urged the parties involved to remain patient, demonstrate goodwill, and engage in dialogue despite existing difficulties, describing negotiations as the sole viable path to resolving the crisis.

“Every humanitarian effort adds a measure of trust between the two sides and may move dialogue and negotiations one step forward,” Sun said, referencing ongoing exchanges of prisoners of war and the remains of fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine. He called on both regional actors and the broader international community to increase mediation and confidence-building measures, warning against actions that exacerbate divisions or prolong hostilities.

Addressing the conflict’s underlying causes, Sun advocated for an approach that acknowledges historical context and legitimate security concerns of all parties, aiming to establish a balanced, effective, and sustainable regional security framework. He reiterated China’s consistent position and readiness to cooperate with the international community to promote early ceasefire and long-term peace in the region.

The remarks came amid recent escalations. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that at least 12 people were killed in a Russian assault on Kyiv and surrounding areas overnight Tuesday. Russian authorities also reported that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia-controlled parts of the Luhansk region resulted in four deaths and three injuries.

In a related development, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned airlines and insurers about the heightened risks of Russian airspace due to Ukrainian drone operations, effectively suggesting that it was closed to commercial flights. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the warning as “state terrorism” and signaled that Moscow would respond accordingly.

Responding to questions about the airspace issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated that dialogue and negotiation remain the only means to resolve the crisis, urging all parties to maintain calm and work toward de-escalation to foster conditions favorable for political settlement.

At a summit in Kyrgyzstan, Putin dismissed the possibility of negotiating with what he referred to as “real terrorists” but expressed openness to discussions aimed at concluding the conflict rather than simply freezing it.