U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker says China has power to end Russia-Ukraine War

U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker says China has power to end Russia-Ukraine War
U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker speaks during an interview with Reuters at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, August 4, 2025
Reuters

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.

Speaking at a side session of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Whitaker described the conflict as “horrific” and called for renewed international pressure.

“This war has to end. This slaughter has to end,” Whitaker said. “It is almost incomprehensible, the loss of life and the suffering that the Ukrainians are going through, especially as Russia attacks their energy infrastructure.”

He said the war was being “completely enabled by China”, adding that Beijing could halt the conflict by cutting off dual-use technologies and energy purchases.

“China could call Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow and cut off his dual-purpose technologies that they’re selling. China could stop buying Russian oil and gas,” Whitaker said.

“There are lots of opportunities for the world to put pressure on China.”

Whitaker stressed that any potential agreement must be acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine.

“Any deal has to be an agreement between not only the Russians but the Ukrainians. And it has to be a deal that’s acceptable to them,” he said.

While suggesting that Ukraine may be willing to reach a settlement under current conditions, Whitaker expressed scepticism about Russia’s readiness to negotiate.

“I am not convinced that ultimately the Russians are ready to make a deal,” he said.

The ambassador added that President Donald Trump would use all available tools in pursuit of ending the conflict.

“President Trump is going to use everything he possibly can to continue, until it’s either possible or impossible,” Whitaker said.

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