Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for a summit, days after Xi hosted US President Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to discuss key international issues over tea, described by officials as an intimate meeting between "old friends."
Serious Expectations for the Visit
The Kremlin has expressed "serious expectations" for the visit, which includes the signing of a 47-page document outlining commitments in Russia-China relations. Putin arrived in China last night and was greeted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and an honor guard, along with Chinese youths waving both nations' flags.
China Denies Reports of Xi's Remarks on Ukraine
China has denied reports that Xi told Trump that Putin might regret invading Ukraine, calling them "completely fabricated." Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the information does not match the facts and is made up out of thin air.
Summit Agenda: Documents, Tea, and Banquet
Putin is accompanied by a delegation including deputy prime ministers, ministers, and heads of state corporations and major banks. The summit aims to showcase the "no limits" partnership between China and Russia, strengthened since Western sanctions over the Ukraine war. Around 40 documents are expected to be signed, along with a joint declaration on establishing a multipolar world order and a "new type of international relations." Negotiations on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, linking Russia to northern China, are also likely.
Russia Considers Joint Projects with US and China
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, indicated that Russia is considering joint projects with both the US and China. This comes as Putin meets Xi days after Xi's talks with Trump.
Ukraine Remains EU's Top Priority
EU's top military general Sean Clancy stated that Ukraine remains the bloc's number one priority, emphasizing that Ukraine's security is integral to Europe's future security.
Russian Lawmaker Calls for End to Conflict
Renat Suleimanov, a Russian lawmaker, has urged for the quickest possible end to the war, citing economic strain. He noted that 40% of the federal budget is allocated to defense and security, hindering development and investments.
US Reaffirms Commitment to Poland
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed after a call with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that the US commitment to Poland's defense remains unchanged, despite ongoing redeployment of US forces in Europe.
Russia Warns Latvia, US Rebukes
Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya warned Latvia against allowing Ukraine to launch drones, claiming Ukraine has dispatched forces to Latvia. Latvia and the US rejected the claims, with the US deputy ambassador warning against threats at the UN.
Analysis: Putin Shows Desperation
Analysis suggests Putin's unexpected claim that the war is ending indicates desperation. Ukraine's strategy of inflicting heavy casualties on Russian forces has shifted momentum in Kyiv's favor.
