PHNOM PENH: Speaking at the National Institute of Business graduation ceremony on the morning of 30 March 2023, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the war between Russia and the Ukraine can only be ended through negotiations. He then stressed that even if NATO countries join the war, they cannot force Russia to surrender.

"I do not at all believe that Russia can destroy the entire Ukraine or that the Ukraine can destroy Russia completely! Although this war could involve NATO, NATO cannot destroy Russia and Russia cannot destroy NATO countries."

He went on to express support for a negotiation between Russia and the Ukraine mediated by China, noting that the Chinese president’s visit to Russia last week showed promise for a peaceful resolution.

On 20 March, President Xi Jinping landed in Russia for what Beijing called a "peace visit" as China seeks to act as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war. The visit was closely watched, especially for signs that President Xi could push for peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. The Wall Street Journal reports that Xi Jinping may also be planning his first phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the outbreak of the war.