NEWS//China blames U.S. for Ukraine "situation"
Rather than labeling Russia's attacks on Ukraine as an invasion, China has opted for terms like “Russia’s operation” in Ukraine and the “current situation” in Ukraine.
Xi and Putin
According to Chinese media, President Xi expressed his concern about Ukraine to Russia's President Putin on February 25, “The abrupt changes in the eastern regions of Ukraine have been drawing the close attention of the international community." He also stressed that China is a champion of the sovereignty of every nation, in spite of its failure to label Russia's aggression as an invasion. "China’s fundamental stance has been consistent in respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and abiding by the mission and principles of the United Nations Charter.”
Biden on Putin and Xi
On Thursday, President Biden unveiled the sanctions on Russia that the U.S. and its allies will impose. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions represented a dangerous moment for freedom around the world. "Putin will be a pariah on the international stage," he said. "Any nation that countenances Russia's naked aggression against Ukraine will be stained by association," Biden said without naming China.
Later, White House spokeswoman Jan Psaki said in a news briefing, "This is really a moment for China, for any country, about what side of history they want to stand on here."
China faults the U.S.
China has used Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an opportunity to accuse the United States of provoking Russia by holding open the possibility that Ukraine could join NATO.
“China believes that the chief cause of this war was the United States’ long-term failure to respect Russian security,” said Xuewu Gu, the director of the Center for Global Studies at the University of Bonn in Germany. “In that sense, China sees this war as one of self-defense by Russia, therefore naturally it would not describe it as an invasion.”
Sources: Reuters, New York Times, Fox News, CNN
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Prayer
316NOW urges every believer to pray for peace in Ukraine and for the wellbeing of the citizens there. The prayer suggestion below originated at Ascension Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, FL
Heavenly Father,
We come to you with grief and sadness in our hearts at the news of violence and war in Ukraine. We boldly ask for your help in restoring peace to this region. We ask for you to give wisdom to world leaders and guide them as they seek to work together to protect lives and bring a swift end to this conflict. Please give the comfort that only you can to all those who are living in fear or uncertainty during this time. Stop those who are bent on bringing violence, destruction, and death. Be with all those who will fight to protect life, property, and the land that you have created.
Most importantly, help all to fix their eyes on your one and only Son, the Savior of all nations. It is in Jesus' name we confidently bring all these requests to you. Amen.