Part 7/11:
At the same time, Russia demands territorial concessions—specifically, the ceding of four provinces in Ukraine’s east. Ukraine has categorically refused such demands, viewing them as unacceptable compromises of its sovereignty. The ongoing conflict, now in its third year, has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the occupation of nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Geopolitical Alliances and the Role of China
A key complicating factor in the unfolding crisis is China’s support for Russia. Reports indicate that China’s foreign minister explicitly told European officials that China does not want Russia to lose, revealing Beijing’s interest in maintaining a strategic partnership, even amidst Russia’s tumultuous invasion.