MOSCOW: Chinese President Xi Jinping will undertake an official visit to Russia from May 7-10, the Kremlin said on Sunday.
The Kremlin, in a statement on Telegram, said that Xi will discuss the development of the two countries’ strategic partnership, as well as signing a number of documents with Russian President Vladimir Putin
“During the talks, the main issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda, will be discussed,” the Kremlin said.
The Russian president’s office said President Xi will also participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Several other world leaders are expected to attend the celebrations, including the presidents of Brazil and Serbia, as well as the prime minister of Slovakia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine to coincide with the May 9 celebrations, a significant date on the Russian calendar.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to agree to a ceasefire—but only if it lasted 30 days. However, Putin rejected that condition, stating that he seeks a long-term resolution rather than a short-term pause in hostilities.
Zelensky said Ukraine, given the continued war with Russia, could not guarantee the safety of any foreign dignitaries who came to Moscow for the traditional May 9 victory parade.
On Sunday, a spokesman for the Chinesе foreign ministry emphasised the country’s historic and strategic ties with Russia at a time when “the international order is undergoing profound adjustments”.
