Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his intention to play an active role in resolving the Ukraine situation.

Xi held a video conference with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday.

China's Foreign Ministry quoted Macron and Scholz as saying that Europe is facing the worst crisis since World War Two.

The two leaders said they are ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote talks for peace, and prevent further escalation of the situation.

Xi stressed that the current situation in Ukraine is worrisome and the Chinese side is deeply grieved by the outbreak of war again on the European continent.

He said the pressing task at the moment is to prevent the tense situation from escalating or even spiraling out of control.

Praising the mediation efforts by France and Germany, Xi said China will stay in communication with them and the European Union, and in light of the needs of the parties involved, work actively together with the international community.

But he opposed sanctions against Russia, saying they will affect global finance, energy, transportation and stability of supply chains, and dampen the global economy.