Putin and Xi to discuss Ukraine war, US-Russia ties during Moscow visit as China faces scrutiny over alleged support for Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold talks in Moscow on May 8, during which they will discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the current state of US-Russia relations, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday.

Relations between Moscow and Beijing have grown increasingly close since Russia began its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the “most important issues” would be addressed during a private meeting between the two leaders, specifically highlighting the Ukraine conflict and Russian-American relations as key points on the agenda.

Russia is preparing an elaborate welcome for President Xi, who will commence a state visit on Wednesday. As part of the visit, Xi is also expected to be the guest of honour at Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations on Red Square, a major national event commemorating the Soviet victory in World War II.

While China has consistently framed itself as a neutral actor in the three-year-old war, Western governments argue that Beijing’s close partnership with Moscow has provided Russia with significant economic and diplomatic backing.

Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of supplying weapons to Russia and claimed that at least 155 Chinese nationals were actively fighting alongside Russian troops. In response, Beijing rejected the accusation, stating that Chinese citizens were not being recruited in large numbers and warned its nationals against participating in foreign conflicts.