ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China on Tuesday of being “silent and distant” on finding a settlement to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Addressing participants at an open briefing of the UN Security Council on Ukraine, he argued that Russia “completely” depends on China, and Beijing could compel Moscow to end the conflict if it “truly wanted” it to stop.

“Yet too often, China stays silent and distant instead of acting for peace,” said Zelenskyy.

He said that “global attention to the UN is waning” and the organization has lost influence, noting that “too often,” there is a lack of “real” decisions on fundamental issues.

Zelenskyy also accused Russia of trying to prolong the war.

He touched on an earlier meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York, saying he and Trump discussed "a few good ideas" on bringing peace to Ukraine.

"We expect America's actions to push Russia toward peace. Moscow fears America, and always pays attention to it," he added.

Zelenskyy went on to appeal for a "united call for peace," adding that what Ukraine needs currently is a "strong push" to "force" Russia toward peace.

Neither Russian nor Chinese officials have commented on the remarks.