Russia-Ukraine conflict: China states its stance, Kiev attacks air defense system in Crimea, stops counterattacking in three directions

On October 30, General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, declared that Beijing would continue to support a political solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Xung đột Nga-Ukraine: Trung Quốc ủng hộ giải pháp chính trị, Ukraine tấn công hệ thống phòng không của Nga ở Crimea

Ukrainian forces clear mines in an area near the city of Kharkiv amid conflict with Russia, October 2023. (Source: EPA)

The above statement was made by Mr. Zhang Youxia at the 10th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.

He said: "We maintain an objective and fair view of the Ukrainian crisis and support a political solution to this conflict."

In addition to numerous scholars and diplomats, the Xiangshan Forum was attended by official delegations from more than 90 countries, including the UK, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the US. Nearly a third of the participating delegations were led by defense ministers or chiefs of staff. "Common security, lasting peace " was the forum's main theme.

Attendees of this event will have the opportunity to reflect on and exchange views on the most pressing security issues in the region and globally, focusing primarily on Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. They will also discuss issues related to artificial intelligence and nuclear risks.

Regarding the conflict situation, on the same day, October 30th, the Ukrainian army announced that it had "successfully attacked" part of the Russian air defense system in the Crimean Peninsula last night.

On social media, the Ukrainian military's strategic information unit stated: "The armed forces (of Kyiv) successfully struck a strategic air defense target on the western coast of the Crimean Peninsula."

Regarding the crisis in the Eastern European country, writing for The Kyiv Independent , Ukrainian expert and retired Colonel Sergei Kivlyuk stated that Kyiv has halted its counteroffensive in three directions.

Accordingly, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) have halted their counteroffensive toward the Sea of Azov, and will subsequently halt it in the direction of Kupyansky and Avdeevsky.

The main reasons were a "massive" shortage of manpower, armored vehicles, and ammunition, as well as a lack of fighter aircraft necessary to carry out offensive operations.

A day earlier, it was reported that the VSU Commander-in-Chief, General Valerii Zaluzhny, advocated for a complete halt to VSU counter-offensive operations, shifting to a defensive stance in preparation for a new offensive campaign next spring.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky opposed this view, demanding that the offensive continue.

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