In the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut, Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to clash, with the city representing Kyiv's unwavering resistance. Meanwhile, Ukrainian artillery strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of seven civilians in areas under Russian control. Ukrainian soldiers positioned just outside Bakhmut eagerly await a counter-offensive they anticipate will occur once weather conditions improve. Concurrently, other Ukrainian recruits diligently train for upcoming combat missions.
During a meeting in Beijing, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to leverage his influence to encourage Russia to cease hostilities, now in their 14th month, and engage in negotiations. Xi, who has tried to present China as a potential mediator, replied, "China advocates for peace talks and seeks a political solution." Despite the West's belief that China favors Russia, Xi expressed his willingness to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to von der Leyen.
A French diplomatic source later indicated that China is prepared to cooperate with France to strongly advocate for peace talks. However, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin assessed the likelihood of peace talks beginning this year as "zero."
The prolonged struggle for Bakhmut, one of the last remaining urban centers in the eastern Donetsk province not yet captured by Moscow, has been among the bloodiest in Russia's invasion. Andriy Yermak, a senior adviser to Zelenskiy, stated that battles are still taking place within the city, and enemy attempts to surround Bakhmut have been unsuccessful.
Despite the city's total devastation, Ukraine frames its steadfast defense of Bakhmut as a strategy to exhaust Russian forces. Ukrainian military analyst Pavlo Narozhniy explained that the primary objective is to "inflict as many losses on Russia as possible and, most importantly, to prepare for a counter-attack to take place in late April-May."
In a separate diplomatic effort, Macron urged China not to supply arms to Russia. Von der Leyen emphasized the EU's expectation that China would promote a fair peace that respects Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.
As of now, there are no ongoing talks to end the war. Dmitry Suslov, an adviser to Putin, stated there is "zero" chance of peace talks occurring in 2023.
