BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang said on March 11 that utmost efforts should be made to support Russia and Ukraine in overcoming difficulties to carry forward ceasefire negotiations, and China supports and encourages all efforts that are conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference held after China's annual legislative session, Premier Li said China is willing to work with the international community to play a positive role for the early return of peace in Ukraine.

Calling the current situation in Ukraine "disconcerting," Premier Li said the pressing task now is to prevent tension from escalating or even getting out of control.

China calls for exercising utmost restraint and preventing a massive humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Premier Li said.

China has put forward an initiative on the humanitarian situation there and has provided Ukraine with humanitarian assistance, and China will continue to do so, he added.

Premier Li also said that relevant sanctions will hurt the world economic recovery.