Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued his most direct criticism of Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine, warning the Russian president not to resort to nuclear weapons and urging German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to press for peace talks.

Xi’s warning comes less than a month after Putin threatened Ukraine with a nuclear attack.

It is a sign of how much Ukrainian forces have shaken the Kremlin with their advances against the invaders in the east.

The international community should “jointly oppose the use or threats of use of nuclear weapons,” Xinhua said, according to a statement carried by China’s official news agency.

Xi added that the world should "maintain that nuclear weapons cannot be used, that nuclear war cannot be started, to prevent a nuclear crisis in Europe or Asia."

The Chinese leader, who secured a third term in the norm a few weeks ago, called on Germany and Europe to "play a major role in calling for peace and facilitating negotiations."

Xi also called for improving the humanitarian situation in crisis areas, especially during the winter months.

Yet the Chinese leader, who referred to Putin as his best friend before the war, has specifically refrained from calling for Russia's withdrawal.

This was a significant demand for Ukraine and its Western supporters.

He also did not mention Putin's refusal to honor a UN agreement to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports, instead advocating that Chinese grain exports be used to ease the food crisis.

In September, Putin acknowledged for the first time publicly that Xi had “questions” and “concerns” about the war.

Shortly after that meeting between the Chinese and Russian leaders, Putin upped the ante and floated the idea that nuclear weapons could be used.

“To defend Russia and our people, we will undoubtedly use all the weapons resources at our disposal,” Putin said. “This is not a bluff.”

“We cannot afford any further escalation,” outgoing Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told a news conference.

Poster Comment:

No nukes, Vlad.