CHINA called for restraint on all sides after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack on Ukraine, while saying the military operation should not be described as an “invasion”.

Putin announced the launch of a major military offensive, and ground troops crossed into the country from several directions today, with explosions heard in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.

“China is closely watching the latest situation. We call on all parties to maintain restraint and prevent the situation from getting out of control,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing, where she was repeatedly asked if Beijing condemned the actions.

China has trod a cautious line on Ukraine as thousands of Russian troops amassed on the borders, and criticised the West for new sanctions after Russia ordered troops into two breakaway Ukrainian regions it now recognises as independent.

Hua refused to call the military action an “invasion”, labelling the term “prejudiced”, and dodged questions on whether China is in contact with Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

“The Ukraine issue has a very complicated historical background” and is the result of “various factors”, she told reporters.

China has in recent weeks blamed the United States (US) and its Western allies for “hyping up” the crisis, with Hua saying at a briefing yesterday that the US is “adding fuel to the fire”.

The Chinese embassy in Ukraine today warned its citizens to be alert for “severe disturbances” and to stay home as much as possible. – AFP, February 24, 2022.