Xi’s Arrival in Moscow for Meeting with Putin

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday, where he’ll meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking Xi’s first visit to Russia since the country invaded Ukraine more than a year ago.

Xi’s visit comes after the International Criminal Court released an arrest warrant for Putin for his role in the deportation of thousands of children from Ukraine. The visit marks an important moment for the growing alliance between both countries, while the United States is concerned about their expanding partnership.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT PREPARING INVESTIGATION INTO RUSSIA FOR WAR CRIMES

Chinese leaders have called for peace in the war with Ukraine, though it would occur on Russia’s terms, not Ukraine’s. Specifically, they released a 12-point peace plan for the war in Ukraine that called for, among other things, a ceasefire that would freeze the current battlefield positions in place, effectively solidifying Russia’s current gains permanently.

“Of course, Ukraine will be brought up during the exchange of views on Ukraine. One can safely assume that one way or another, the topics that were touched upon in this plan, will inevitably be raised,” Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

Both leaders released statements ahead of their meeting that praised their relationship while expressing optimism for continued growth.

Xi said the proposal “takes into account the legitimate concerns of all parties and reflects the broadest common understanding of the international community on the crisis. It has been constructive in mitigating the spillovers of the crisis and facilitating its political settlement. There is no simple solution to a complex issue.”

Putin described the proposal as “well-balanced,” saying: