Russia-China Relations At Strongest Ever: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that Moscow's relations with China are at their strongest level ever, as Western nations seek to isolate Russia with unprecedented sanctions over its military actions in Ukraine.

Beijing has repeatedly voiced opposition to the sanctions, insisting it will maintain normal economic and trade ties with Russia, and has refused to condemn Moscow's operations. The central government has, however, pressed Chinese companies to be wary of running afoul of sanctions.

Lavrov also said in an interview with Serbian media that any meeting between Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy, his Ukrainian counterpart, would be counterproductive if it were held now.

"A meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy is needed as soon as we will be close to resolving all key issues," Lavrov commented.

Putin and Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan agreed in a telephone call on Sunday that Istanbul could host face-to-face talks aimed at bringing about a ceasefire.

Ukraine and Russia were preparing on Monday for those talks, although Kyiv insisted it would make no concessions on ceding territory as battlefield momentum has shifted in its favour.

Ukrainian officials played down the chances of a major breakthrough at the talks, due to be held in Istanbul. (Reuters)