UNITED NATIONS, April 19 (CGTN) - China on Tuesday called on all countries to support diplomatic negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a ceasefire, warning against sending more offensive weapons.

"Continuing to send more offensive weapons will not bring peace. It will only prolong and escalate the conflict, and further aggravate humanitarian catastrophe," said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council meeting on the humanitarian issue of Ukraine.

Zhang said diplomatic negotiations must be promoted with a greater sense of urgency, since the prospect of an extended and prolonged conflict is worrying.

"Putting an early end to the conflict is the fundamental way to resolve the humanitarian crisis," he said.

"We call on Russia and Ukraine to adhere to the general direction of dialogue and negotiation, continuously narrow differences, and accumulate conditions for a ceasefire."

On the protection of civilians, Zhang said that every effort must be made to reduce the harm to civilians caused by the conflict.

"China once again calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian facilities, and facilitate evacuation and humanitarian assistance operations," said the envoy.

"The parties concerned should strengthen communication on humanitarian issues, and conduct coordination and cooperation on issues such as opening humanitarian corridors and organizing the safe evacuation of personnel," he added.

China appreciates the fact that the neighboring countries of Ukraine have provided "safe havens and humanitarian assistance," he said.

Since February 24, 5 million people have fled Ukraine and another 7 million are displaced internally, according to the UN.