Ankara: China on Thursday praised a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the importance of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, as reported by state media.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressed China's approval of the communication between the US and Russia, stating, "Russia and the US are influential major powers, and we are happy to see Russia and the US strengthen communication and dialogue on a series of international issues." This statement followed President Trump's announcement of a "lengthy and highly productive" call with Putin, during which they agreed to commence negotiations aimed at ending the nearly three-year conflict in Ukraine.

In addition to his conversation with Putin, President Trump also contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump indicated to reporters that a potential meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks could be on the horizon.

Spokesman Guo reiterated China's longstanding position, stating that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable means to resolve the crisis. "China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis," he affirmed.

The diplomatic exchanges come on the heels of comments by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who suggested that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders, prior to Russia's annexation of Crimea, was not feasible. Hegseth further noted that NATO membership for Kyiv was not anticipated as part of any negotiated settlement to conclude the conflict.