US rejects Chinese involvement in Ukraine ceasefire efforts

The White House has rejected China's proposal for a cease-fire in Ukraine, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week. The US is concerned that a cease-fire would ratify Russia's gains on the ground and violate the UN Charter. While some observers see China's involvement as a potential opportunity for peace, the prospects for a cease-fire acceptable to the warring parties are slim. The announcement of the meeting with Xi provided a diplomatic boost to Putin on the same day the International Criminal Court announced it wants to put the Russian leader on trial for alleged war crimes.