West 'Unreliable,' Chinese Propagandist Says After Ukraine Leaves Avdiivka

An ultra-nationalist commentator in China has called the West "unreliable" after Ukrainian forces withdrew from the city of Avdiivka.

"Although it is not ruled out that it will eventually pass, Western support has become unreliable, and this impression has gradually spread in the overall situation of the Ukrainian war, weakening the confidence and long-term expectations of Kyiv and boosting Russia's morale" Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of Chinese nationalist newspaper Global Times, wrote in an op-ed on Sunday.

Hu's comments came as Ukrainian forces withdrew from the key city of Avdiivka following an intense battle with Russian troops.

China hasn't officially supported Russia's war in Ukraine but has assisted by way of supporting the Kremlin's economy.

"The Ukrainian war will reach its two-year mark on February 24, and it has become a typical war of attrition, with the entire West's resources and determination pitted against Russia," Hu said in an op-ed for the Global Times.

"The retreat of the Ukrainian army from Avdiivka occurred when Joe Biden's request for approval of the foreign aid bill was obstructed by the Republican Party in Congress," Hu said, pointing at the political in-fighting in the U.S. over funding for Ukraine. "The US has always been the largest external sponsor of Kyiv, and Biden's requested 2024 aid budget for Ukraine is $60 billion."

Elaborating on the potential ramifications, he said: "This will affect the long-term, unconditional support of the West for Ukraine. If the war continues to be consumed in this way, with Russia maintaining strong combat capabilities and domestic stability, the West's patience in supporting Ukraine will weaken and some impatience may arise, which is what the Kremlin hopes for."

Beijing's position and involvement in the Ukrainian crisis were spotlighted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the recent Munich Security Conference.

Wang underscored China's dedication to fostering a peaceful resolution, saying: "China has done a lot of constructive work and we will continue to play a positive role."

Wang told his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Munich on Saturday that China "adheres to the political solution of hot-spot issues, insists on promoting peace and promoting talks, does not add fuel to the fire, does not take advantage of opportunities, and does not sell lethal weapons to conflict areas or conflict parties."

But he poured cold water on the potential of immediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

"There are not ripe conditions in place for parties to go back to the negotiating table," Wang said on Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "China will continue to play a constructive role in bringing an early end to the conflict and rebuilding peace in Ukraine and will not give up as long as there is a glimmer of hope."