Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the European Union’s top diplomat that Beijing can’t accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine as this could allow the United States to turn its full attention to China,

China has stated its position on the war in Ukraine and named the winner that aligns with Beijing's political interests, according to the South China Morning Post. During a meeting with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas,

Flattery and pressure — coupled with President Trump’s growing dissatisfaction with President Vladimir V. Putin — have helped build momentum for new economic punishments.