Lindsey Graham Urges China to Pressure Russia Into Ukraine Peace Talks

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said China could play the most influential role in pushing Russia toward peace negotiations, arguing that Beijing’s leverage over Moscow may be key to ending the war in Ukraine.

Speaking in Kyiv on Friday after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Graham said the coming months could offer a critical opportunity for diplomacy if Ukraine’s military strength is reinforced and tougher sanctions are imposed on Russia.

"The road to ending this war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than Washington, Kyiv, or Moscow," Graham told reporters in Ukraine’s capital. He said China holds significant influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged Beijing to use that influence to help achieve peace.

Although Graham believes Putin is not yet ready for negotiations, he said stronger international pressure could quickly change the situation. "The sooner we can have a dialogue about peace, the quicker this war is over," he added.

China and Russia have maintained close ties since declaring a "no limits" strategic partnership shortly before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Trump administration has spent months seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict, but negotiations have yet to produce meaningful progress. Meanwhile, fighting continues across more than 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) of the front line. Russia continues missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, while the United Nations said June was among the deadliest months of the war, with at least 265 civilians killed.

Ukraine has also stepped up long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure and defense production facilities in an effort to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance the war.

Zelenskiy said he recently discussed China’s potential role in ending the conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Ankara, as well as with several European leaders.

Graham also said the Trump administration now supports a long-awaited Russia sanctions bill designed to restrict funding for Moscow’s military operations.

"We have a magic moment in time," Graham said. "If we strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities, increase pressure on Putin, and encourage countries to help end the war instead of supporting Russia, we have a real chance to achieve peace in the coming months."