'Bring Russia Back To Reason': Macron Urges Xi To Mediate Over Invasion Of Ukraine

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has urged China's Xi Jinping to bring Russia "back to reason" over the war in Ukraine, as the two held the first of a series of high-level meetings in Beijing.

- Amy Hawkins, Angelique Chrisafis, Peter Beaumont

"The Russian aggression in Ukraine has dealt a blow to [international] stability," Macron told. Xi, standing alongside the Chinese leader outside the Great Hall of the People before their meeting. "I know I can count on you to bring back Russia to reason and everyone back to the negotiating table."

However, hours later in Moscow, a Kremlin spokesperson said he saw no prospect for China to mediate in the Ukraine conflict and that Russia had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive.

"Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation," Dmitry Peskov said. "But the situation with Ukraine is complex. So far there are no prospects for a political settlement."

The visit by Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, came as an adviser to Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's president, suggested Ukraine may be willing to discuss Crimea with Moscow if its forces reach the border of the Russian-occupied peninsula.