Dial up diplomacy

THE Ukrainian President, Volodymr Zelensky held his first wartime phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, on Wednesday, April 26. The hour­long call was a bid to end the devastating conflict with Russia.

In their first contact since Russia’s invasion began, Zelensky hailed the call as “long and meaningful,” saying he hopes it will lead to a strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.

China has never condemned Russia’s full­scale invasion of Ukraine, and President Xi’s recent visit to Moscow drew criticism from the West. However, in the call, Xi said China “always stood on the side of peace,” and offered to send a special representative to Kyiv to engage in “indepth communication” on a political settlement.

FRENCH Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes have taken their toll this year which have affected Ryanair more than any other airline, and now they’ve said enough is enough.

The budget­friendly airline, not to mention its passengers have suffered at the hands of French ATC industrial action, leading the Dublin­based company to mount a petition to keep the skies over France open for business.

This has raised hopes that China’s vast wealth and global influence could swing the outcome of the war. While some doubt the effectiveness of China’s potential mediation, Xi has previously convinced Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties and may have an economic incentive to help end the war, as China’s economy is dependent on export trade.