China supports all efforts dedicated to peace in Ukraine: FM spokesman

China welcomes the latest round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and supports all efforts dedicated to peace in Ukraine, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

Russian and Ukrainian delegations held the third round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Wednesday.

Click to Gallery

China supports all efforts dedicated to peace in Ukraine: FM spokesman

More Images

China supports all efforts dedicated to peace in Ukraine: FM spokesman

Commenting on this development, Guo said China welcomes the latest efforts.

"We have taken note that Russia and Ukraine had held a new round of direct talks a day ago, and reached consensus on humanitarian issues, including exchange of prisoners of war. We welcome the development. China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. China supports all efforts conducive to peace and hopes that all parties are committed to the political settlement of the crisis so as to jointly promote the easing of the situation," the spokesman said.

A powerful winter storm swept through Toronto and surrounding areas on Thursday, causing school closures and travel delays as heavy snowfall reduced visibility and affected transportation services.

Meteorological authorities warned that heavy snowfall would greatly reduce visibility, while local transportation officials reported that several roads had been completely closed and major surface transit routes were operating at reduced speeds due to the storm.

Toronto Pearson International Airport officials announced Thursday that air traffic control measures had been implemented due to severe weather, affecting several inbound and outbound flights. Meanwhile, several local school boards in Toronto fully suspended classes, while others enacted partial closures in response to the storm.