China can help end Ukraine war by pressuring Russia, U.S. Senator Graham says

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated on Friday that China possesses the key to pressuring Russia into peace negotiations and ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv, Graham emphasized that the next few months represent a critical window for achieving a diplomatic resolution.

“

The road to ending this war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than it does (through) Washington, Kyiv, or Moscow. China has an oversized influence. I'd like them to use their influence for the good of the world.

Graham, a regular visitor to Ukraine, discussed the nation's urgent need for air defense systems and the status of Russian sanctions with President Zelenskiy. He asserted that strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities, coupled with a coordinated diplomatic effort, could compel Moscow to engage in talks. "The road to ending this war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than it does (through) Washington, Kyiv, or Moscow," Graham told reporters.

Graham expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not yet ready for peace but suggested that minimal additional pressure could bring him to the negotiating table. "The sooner we can have a dialogue about peace, the quicker this war is over," he added. He highlighted China's "oversized influence" and urged Beijing to use it for global good.

“

I don't believe (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is there yet, but it wouldn't take much to get him there. And the sooner we can have a dialogue about peace, the quicker this war is over.

The senator also indicated that the Trump administration now supports a long-pending sanctions bill against Russia, intended to cut off funding for its military operations. Graham sees a "magic moment in time" where increased Ukrainian military strength and international cooperation against Putin could lead to the war's end. This comes as fighting continues along the front lines, with recent U.N. reports indicating June was one of the deadliest months of the war due to Russian strikes on civilian areas.

“

We have a magic moment in time here. In the coming months, if we do this right, increase Ukraine's lethality, get people to help us with Putin rather than propping him up, we can end this war.