China praises Ukraine peace summit amid Russian scorn as end to war proves elusive

More than 40 countries met in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine, China attended and praised the talks, but Russia criticized being excluded.
China declared its impartiality but has deepened ties with Russia, while Ukraine promoted its peace principles including withdrawal of Russian troops.
The summit discussed Ukrainian proposals and agreed to meet again in six weeks, but direct Russia-Ukraine talks remain unlikely.
Outcomes were unclear but Ukraine hailed the meeting as a blow to isolated Russia; China aimed to build engagement with non-Western nations.
Meanwhile Russian shelling continued in Ukraine and detained an alleged spy gathering intelligence on Zelensky's travels.