Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for China's approach to resolving the Ukraine crisis in an interview published on Wednesday. He stated that China comprehensively understands the underlying causes and global significance of the crisis. Putin praised President Xi Jinping's recent principles, which were discussed during talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as practical steps toward overcoming Cold War mentalities.

Putin highlighted that Beijing's 12-point proposal from over a year ago outlined general principles for ending the conflict but did not delve into specifics. While this proposal was initially received with caution in Russia and Ukraine, the United States criticized it for echoing Russia's narrative without condemning its invasion.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described China's proposal as a reasonable plan for discussion, emphasizing the need for cooling down the situation, restoring peace, and minimizing impacts on the global economy as outlined by President Xi's recent principles.

Russia perceives the conflict as a struggle against the "collective West" and blames NATO's eastward expansion and military activities near its borders for exacerbating tensions. Russia justifies its actions in Ukraine as a "special operation" to disarm Ukraine and protect it from alleged fascist elements, a claim refuted by Ukraine and the West.

Despite the close relationship between Russia and China, Beijing has refrained from providing direct military support to Russia's war effort in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's peace plan involves the withdrawal of Russian troops, restoration of Ukraine's 1991 borders, and holding Russia accountable for its actions.

A peace summit scheduled for Switzerland in June has excluded Russia, with Moscow dismissing it as insignificant and insisting on considering "new realities" in any future talks. Ukraine has made significant efforts to persuade China to participate in preparatory discussions for the summit.