UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on Russia and Ukraine to maintain the momentum of peace talks.

Russia and Ukraine, which have recently held direct negotiations in Istanbul and agreed on the exchange of prisoners, will soon hold a second round of direct talks. China welcomes these positive developments and supports all efforts toward peace, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

At the same time, the fighting shows no sign of stopping, and the number of civilian casualties continues to rise, showing that the Ukraine crisis involves complex dynamics and cannot be resolved overnight, he told the Security Council.

The parties to the conflict should demonstrate political will, maintain the momentum of peace talks, address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and consultation, so as to ultimately realize a political settlement, said Geng.

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The parties to the conflict should earnestly abide by international humanitarian law and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure under any circumstances, he said. "Both sides should make concerted efforts and take active measures to cool down the situation on the battlefield as soon as possible."

The international community, especially major stakeholders, should promote peace talks to facilitate a political solution to the crisis, he said.

China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. Since the start of the crisis, China has been calling for dialogue, negotiation, and a political settlement, said Geng. China has stayed in contact with both Russia and Ukraine and has been working consistently to promote peace talks, he said.

Together with the Global South and the wider international community, China is willing to play a constructive role in seeking real peace, he said.