US rejects China's "peace plan"

John Kirby, coordinator of the White House National Security Council, said this during an online briefing, Ukrinform reports.

"Everyone saw the 12-point plan (of China - ed.), and it caused a lot of publicity. It calls for a ceasefire," the White House spokesman said.

Kirby noted that, on the one hand, this proposal sounds quite reasonable. However, according to him, a ceasefire right now would actually ratify the seizure of Ukrainian territories by Russia.

"In essence, this would recognize Russia’s gains in all its attempts to seize the territory of a neighboring country by force. In addition, it would allow Russian troops to continue occupying the territory of sovereign Ukraine. Therefore, a ceasefire right now, in our opinion, would mean another violation of the UN Charter," the White House spokesman said.

He emphasized that Russia would in fact be able to use this pause to strengthen its military positions, restore its forces and prepare for a new offensive.

• Also today, March 17, Politico reported that China has been supplying Russia with weapons and military equipment since the beginning of the large-scale war with Ukraine.