Bucha accusations should be based on fact, says Chinese foreign Minister Lijian

Chinese Foreign Minister spox, Zhao Lijian has called for restraint regarding the Bucha civilian killings, claiming accusations flying between Kiev and Moscow should be based on “real facts” at a Wednesday briefing.

“There is a need to exercise restraint until an investigation is conducted,” he said, adding that Beijing is taking “real steps” towards supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense has rejected Kiev claims of Moscow’s culpability, highlighting that Russian troops left the town on March 30 – confirmed by the town’s mayor the day after – with “evidence of crimes” only emerging four days later.