Ukrainian bystanders look on to residential buildings that were destroyed during an attack, in Borodyanka on Feb 23, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

MOSCOW / UNITED NATIONS - The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday praised a paper released by China stating its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

In the document issued earlier in the day, China calls for international efforts to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks, saying that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.

A United Nations spokesperson said China's position paper on political settlement of Ukraine crisis represents "an important contribution”

"We highly value the aspiration of our Chinese friends to contribute to a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine through peaceful means," the ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

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"We share the views of China. We are committed to complying with the principles of the UN Charter and the provisions of international law, including humanitarian law and indivisibility of security," she said.

"As for the Ukraine crisis, Russia is open to achieving the goals of the special military operation via political and diplomatic means," Zakharova said.  

Meanwhile, a United Nations spokesperson said China's position paper on political settlement of Ukraine crisis represents "an important contribution.”

"I think the plan put forward by the Chinese government is an important contribution," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told a regular press briefing.

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"I think the call on the need to avoid the use of nuclear weapons is particularly important," he added.