The Russian Invasion

File photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ken Ishii / AP  

The Russian Invasion|The Peace Negotiations 

Source: China is involved in new talks without Russian presence  

 

The majority of the 42 countries that took part in peace talks in Saudi Arabia this weekend appear ready to meet under the same circumstances - without Russian presence - again. And China is one of those countries, sources told the Wall Street Journal.  

 

When similar talks were held in Copenhagen, China was invited but declined. China has officially maintained a neutral position and in February presented a twelve-point proposal for peace that was immediately condemned by countries in the West. 

 

China raised the proposal again during the talks in Jeddah, the sources said, prompting diplomats from Europe to warn that an unconditional ceasefire would give Russia a chance to tighten its grip on occupied territories.  

 

- They got direct feedback, which was good, says a source.  

 

This weekend's talks have not been a direct peace negotiation but have been described as a way to gather broad support for Ukraine's peace demands.  

 

People line up in Russia ahead of Ikea closing in March 2022. AP  

 

The Russian invasion The sanctions  

European companies have lost 1,200 billion in Russia  

 

The largest companies in Europe have suffered losses of at least SEK 1,200 billion in direct connection to their operations in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. That shows a review by the Financial Times.  

 

Out of 600 companies, 176 have recorded value reductions, currency-related costs and one-off costs as a result of the sale, closure or reduction of Russian operations. 

 

- It has been shown that "cut the ties and run" was the best strategy for companies at the beginning of the war. The faster you left, the less you lost, says Nabi Abdullaev at the consulting firm Coltrol Risks.