Only China can influence Putin at this stage of war - diplomat Voitko

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV

"Today, China is the only country that can influence Putin at this stage of the war. Because Russia has long been a vassal of China and is dependent on Beijing. China really has the leverage to influence Putin to end this war. Macron and Ursula von der Leyen also have leverage. These levers can be used to "ask" Xi Jinping to listen to their requests to stop Russia's aggression against Ukraine," Voitko explained.

The diplomat stressed that Western countries have leverage over China, which is trying to increase trade with Russia

"China may face heavy sanctions for supporting Russia. They are already feeling it. Because from 2022 to 2023, trade between China and Russia doubled. And in the first quarter of 2024, it began to fall sharply. In particular, it decreased by 15%. Therefore, levers of influence on China exist and can be used," he added.

• On May 5, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Paris for a state visit and met with French President Emmanuel Macron. The next day, they were joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
• On May 6, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope after a meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese leader Xi Jinping that China would use its influence on Russia to end the war against Ukraine.