UNITED NATIONS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The conflict in Ukraine continues to intensify, and the suffering of civilians is worsening, a Chinese envoy said on Monday, calling on all parties concerned to make every effort to de-escalate the situation in order to preserve the prospects for an early peace.

Sun Lei (C) speaks at an emergency meeting of the Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 29, 2025. (File photo: Xinhua)

Developments regarding the Ukraine issue are deeply concerning, with recent multiple attacks resulting in heavy casualties on both sides and extensive damage to infrastructure, said Sun Lei, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Ukraine.

The immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire and end the fighting, said the ambassador, adding that escalating hostilities will only bring greater suffering to civilians. An early ceasefire and an end to the fighting serve the fundamental and long-term interests of the parties concerned and meet the shared expectations of the international community.

"China urges an immediate end to all attacks against civilians, calls on the parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, strictly observe international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and make every effort to de-escalate the situation so as to preserve the prospects for an early peace," Sun said.

He pointed out that the fundamental solution lies in adhering to dialogue and negotiation, calling on the relevant parties to maintain engagement, demonstrate political will, build mutual trust through dialogue, build consensus through negotiations, and strive to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement. "As long as talks can begin and continue, there remains hope for peace."

As Russia, Ukraine and European countries are neighbors that can not move away from one another, achieving harmonious coexistence and pursuing common security is the only realistic choice, he stressed.

Noting that China's position on the Ukraine issue has remained consistent, Sun said China firmly supports a ceasefire and an end to the fighting. He added that China maintains close communication with Russia, Ukraine and other relevant parties, has actively conducted shuttle diplomacy, and has made extensive efforts in its own way to promote peace talks.

"China stands ready to work with the international community and continue to play a constructive role in advancing a political settlement of the crisis," he said.