Ma Shengkun (third from the right), newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Photo: Official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine

Ma Shengkun, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine, has arrived in the country to assume his post and has presented a copy of his letter of credence to the Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis on Thursday, the Chinese embassy in Kiev said. Ma, who previously served as Deputy Director General of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, has pledged to promote cooperation, and expressed confidence in strengthening bilateral ties, he said in a statement upon arrival.

In a written statement he delivered on Wednesday upon arrival, Ma said political mutual trust has continuously deepened, pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful results and cultural exchanges have been vibrant between China and Ukraine over the past more than 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have brought tangible benefits to both countries and their peoples. Ma also pledged to promote friendship, exchanges, and cooperation. 

Ma said that China and Ukraine are traditional friendly partners. According to Ma, there is a saying in Ukraine that "A tree thrives because of its deep roots, and a person grows strong with the help of friends." He expressed confidence in strengthening bilateral ties. 

Ma noted that the world is undergoing unprecedented changes, posing challenges to global peace, stability, and development.

China will continue to follow the path of peaceful development, firmly adhere to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, and to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. It will uphold the common values of humanity, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, and advocate for a multipolar world marked by equality and order, and inclusive, mutually beneficial economic globalization, Ma said.

I firmly believe that a more modernized and open China will provide a solid foundation and greater momentum, and open up broader prospects for further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Ukraine, Ma said. 

"Though the journey is long, perseverance will lead to success; though the task is challenging, determination will make it achievable," Ma said. 

"As the newly appointed ambassador to Ukraine, I am keenly aware of the expectations from both governments and peoples and the significant responsibility of advancing China-Ukraine relations. It is a profound responsibility and honor," Ma said, adding that he will remember his duties, dedicate himself to his responsibilities, and work tirelessly to serve as a guardian of China-Ukraine friendship, a promoter of exchanges, and a facilitator of cooperation. 

"In this progress, I sincerely hope to receive support from various sectors in Ukraine. I look forward to engaging broadly with the Ukrainian government and various sectors, engaging in candid exchanges, building trust, and exploring cooperation opportunities with the Ukrainian government and other sectors, striving to write a new chapter in the strategic partnership between China and Ukraine," Ma said.

China and Ukraine have maintained a close relationship since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The ties between the two sides have been mutually beneficial and have not broken down during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times on Thursday.
The relationship between China and Ukraine is not contradictory to that between China and Russia, which is why China was able to send its special envoy to mediate in the conflict, Cui noted. 

The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine issued a notice on Wednesday evening highlighting the serious security situation across Ukraine, where the entire country remains under a state of war. The embassy noted the frequent sounding of air raid alerts in recent days, with heightened risks of airstrikes and other security threats. 
Chinese nationals were advised to avoid traveling to Ukraine, while those voluntarily remaining in the country were urged to stay vigilant, monitor local security updates, take necessary precautions, and prepare for evacuation if needed. The notice emphasized the importance of promptly seeking shelter in designated areas during air raid alerts and avoiding mentality of taking chances.

Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile during an attack on Ukraine on Thursday, Reuters reported citing Ukraine's air force, "in the first known use of such a powerful, nuclear-capable weapon with a range of thousands of kilometers," the report said. There was no indication from Ukraine that the Russian missile was nuclear-armed, it noted.

Meanwhile, multiple regions in Ukraine, including Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk, came under missile attacks by Russian forces on Thursday morning, with explosions reported in cities such as Kremenchuk and Dnipro. An industrial enterprise in Dnipro was struck, causing a fire, though no casualties have been reported so far, according to Central China Television. Emergency power restrictions or outages were implemented in areas including Sumy, Zhytomyr, Kiev, and surrounding regions. 

Russia's reaction came after Ukraine launched a series of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russian territory on Wednesday, Reuters reported. It followed Tuesday's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles.