In recent months, the Ukrainian leadership has taken a largely realpolitik line towards China. This could already be seen in the reaction to the Chinese peace plan, which was friendlier in Kiev than in some Western capitals, which are committed to a policy of values.

This is not surprising. China is the only country in the world that still exerts significant influence on Russia. Xi Jinping will not and cannot dictate the course to Putin in detail. Without political and economic support from China (especially oil and gas purchases), however, it would be even weaker.

America's position shaken

Zelensky has now been rewarded for his tactics with a phone call from Xi and a promise to send a special envoy. This shows two things: Apparently, the Chinese head of state and party actually wants to take a more active role in the conflict. Perhaps he was encouraged to do so by his recent successes in the Middle East, where he was able to shake America's position as an external power of order. On the other hand, Xi is not only betting on the Russian horse. He can afford to do that because Putin is already so dependent on him

It is currently difficult to estimate where all this will lead. The only thing that is certain is that the war aims of Russia and Ukraine are still far apart and that their material possibilities have not been exhausted.