China's foreign minister tells EU that Beijing cannot afford Russia to lose in Ukraine, media reports

https://kyivindependent.com/chinas-foreign-minister-tells-eu-that-beijing-cannot-afford-russian-loss-in-ukraine-media-reports-6-2025/

Dmytro Basmat Jul 03, 2025 · 6 mins read
China's foreign minister tells EU that Beijing cannot afford Russia to lose in Ukraine, media reports
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'Nothing but terror and murder' — Russia pounds Kyiv with record overnight drone, missile attack, 1 dead, 23 injured.

Fires broke out across the city as Russia attacked the capital overnight on July 4. At least 23 people have been injured, with 14 of the victims hospitalized.

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Dutch intelligence services, together with German intelligence, have found that Russia is systematically escalating the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, the Netherlands Military Intelligence (MIVD) reported on July 4.

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Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's counter-disinformation center, said a drone hit the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant in the town of Azov, Rostov Oblast. The facility reportedly manufactures critical components for the Russian military, including sights, rangefinders, thermal imaging systems, and fire control equipment for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff pushing to lift energy sanctions on Russia, Politico reports.

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Number of Ukrainian children killed and injured amid Russian full-scale invasion jumps threefold in recent months.

The latest U.N. figures show a threefold jump in the number of deaths and injuries for children over the three months ending in May.

'Deliberately massive and cynical' — Russian attack on Ukraine began as Trump and Putin spoke, Zelensky says.

"Patriots and their missiles are real defenders of life," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "It is very important to maintain the support of partners in ballistic missile defense."

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,024,210 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,120 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Trump's pause on Russia sanctions under investigation by Senate Democrats.

"Americans should be asking why a president who says he wants to end a major war is instead letting the aggressor run rampant."

'We haven't' — Trump denies US pausing weapons to Ukraine, despite Pentagon decision to halt shipments.

"You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves," Trump added after his initial denial.

China's foreign minister tells EU that Beijing cannot afford Russia to lose in Ukraine, media reports.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas on July 3 that the country cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine amid fears the U.S. would shift focus towards Beijing, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing sources familiar with the conversation.

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When asked if he had made any progress with Putin on the call, Trump responded: "No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all."

Russia becomes first country to recognize Afghanistan's Taliban government.

"We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Russian propaganda media Sputnik shuts down operations in Azerbaijan amid tensions.

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The hour-long conversation between the two presidents focused on Russia's war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

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Major General Mikhail Gudkov also led a brigade involved in combat operations against Ukraine. His death reportedly occurred during a Ukrainian attack on a Russian command post.

Russia targets Ukrainian conscription offices to disrupt mobilization, military spokesperson says after Poltava attack.

"We will continue to strengthen our army, train our troops, and involve more people in defense to deliver a strong response to the enemy," said Ground Forces spokesperson Vitalii Sarantsev.