Kyiv urges China to pursue peace in Ukraine during Putin visit

Ukraine on Monday urged China, a close ally of Moscow, to work towards peace in Ukraine during a visit to the country by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Given the significant geopolitical role of the People's Republic of China, we would welcome a more active role for Beijing in bringing peace to Ukraine based on respect for the UN Charter," Ukraine's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Read more: Putin defends Ukraine war at China summit

Earlier today at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended his Ukraine war to Moscow's allies, blaming the West for triggering the three-and-a-half year war that has killed tens of thousands and devastated much of eastern Ukraine.

"This crisis was not triggered by Russia's attack on Ukraine, but was a result of a coup in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the West," Putin said.