WASHINGTON, June 17. /TASS/. China rejects all measures aimed at fueling tensions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, told TASS.

"What China provides to Ukraine are much-needed humanitarian supplies such as food, baby formula, sleeping bags, quilts and damp-proof mats," he said. "In contrast, what the US provides to Ukraine are lethal weapons."

"China supports all efforts that are conducive to easing the situation and political settlement. And China opposes actions like fanning the flame or adding fuel to the fire that may escalate the situation and are counterproductive to political resolution," the diplomat continued.

According to Liu Pengyu, Beijing stands for the promotion of negotiations and holds a constructive stance regarding a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.

"There are complex historical merits on the Ukraine issue," he said. "China has been independently making its decisions and expounding on its positions with an objective and just attitude based on the merits of the matter itself."

"China is not a party directly related to the issue, but it has been committed to promoting peace talks and playing a constructive role in pursuing peaceful settlement of the crisis," according to the diplomat.

"Our just position and constructive efforts, witnessed by all, have received the understanding and support of the international community, especially the vast developing world," Liu Pengyu added.

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced recognizing the sovereignty of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Russia recognized the Donbass republics in accordance with the DPR and LPR constitutions within the boundaries of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions as of the beginning of 2014.

Russian President Putin said in a televised address on February 24 that in response to a request by the heads of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation in Ukraine. The Russian leader stressed that Moscow had no plans of occupying Ukrainian territories, noting that the operation was aimed at the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine.

After that, the United States, the EU and some other countries announced that they were imposing sanctions against Russian individuals and businesses.