Ukraine Ivasion: China hopes Russia-Ukraine meeting will defuse tensions

China hopes that the Turkish-hosted meeting of Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers later this week will contribute to an early settlement of the Ukrainian crisis and a reduction of tensions.

The tensions are between Moscow and Kiev, Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said that Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, was scheduled to take part in the diplomacy forum in Antalya on Wednesday.

He is expected to meet for talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, with the mediation of Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Kuleba clarified later that the meeting would be held on Thursday.

"China's position on the Ukrainian issue is clear and consistent.

"We hope that all parties concerned can intensify their efforts in contributing to reconciliation and advancement of negotiations, contribute to a reduction of tensions and an early peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian issue,'' Zhao said.

He said this during a news conference while answering a question on whether Beijing would support or contribute to talks between Moscow and Kiev.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said that Beijing was ready to assist in the mediation of the conflict.

On Tuesday, Zhao said that China would be ready to "continue playing a constructive role to facilitate dialogue for peace and work alongside the international community when needed to carry out necessary mediation.''

On Feb. 24, Russia began a special operation to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops.

The Russian Defence Ministry said that the special operation was targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population was not in danger.