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// DOSSIER — china-requests-ukraine-avoid-striking-vladivostok
China Requests Ukraine Avoid Striking Vladivostok During High-Level Delegation Visit
REL_TIME: 09 Sep 2026 16:12Z · LANG: EN
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that China officially requested Ukraine to refrain from launching military strikes on Vladivostok and the Russian Far East during a visit by a high-level Chinese delegation, which included Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. The delegation was attending the Eastern Economic Forum from September 2 to 4, 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially alluded to the request on September 1, and MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhy officially confirmed it on September 8, noting that Ukraine took note of the request. Tykhy framed the request as an implicit recognition of Ukraine's statehood and its long-range strike capabilities, which were previously demonstrated during 'Operation Spider' in 2025.
// Background
Vladivostok is located more than 6,500 kilometers from Ukraine. However, Ukraine's 'Operation Spider' in 2025 demonstrated its ability to strike remote Russian targets using pre-positioned drones. Ukraine has previously accommodated similar requests from allies, such as a U.S. request to refrain from striking Moscow and St. Petersburg between August 25 and 27.
// Key Developments
- Ukrainian MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhy officially confirmed China's request to pause strikes on Vladivostok during a high-level Chinese delegation's visit.
- The Chinese delegation, led by Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 2 to 4, 2026.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously hinted at the request on September 1, stating Ukraine agreed to comply in the interest of diplomacy.
- Ukrainian officials view the request as an implicit recognition of Ukraine's statehood and its capability to strike targets over 6,500 kilometers away.
- This is not the first time China has made such requests when its high-ranking officials visit the Russian Federation.
// Timeline
-
Ukraine refrains from striking Moscow and St. Petersburg following a request from the United States.
-
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that an unnamed world power asked Ukraine to temporarily suspend strikes toward Vladivostok.
-
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang visits Vladivostok to attend the Eastern Economic Forum and hold bilateral talks.
-
Ukrainian MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhy officially confirms China's request during a briefing in Kyiv.
// Perspectives
[Ukraine (Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Presidency)]
Agreed to the temporary strike pause for diplomatic reasons, hoping to maintain potential Chinese influence in future peace negotiations, while viewing the request as validation of Ukraine's statehood and long-range military reach.
[China]
Sought to ensure the safety of its delegation and prevent regional escalation during the Eastern Economic Forum, while maintaining a public silence on the specific appeal to Kyiv.
// Quotes
“I can confirm that the Chinese side did indeed officially approach the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a request not to strike the part of the Russian Federation's territory where the high-level Chinese delegation will be staying.”
