Chinese President Xi Jinping is gearing up for a significant visit to Russia from May 7 to 10, where he will attend the grand Victory Day Parade in Moscow and sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin for some high-stakes talks. The visit will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, a historic event that will be marked with grandeur on May 9.
This year’s Victory Day Parade promises to be a major international event, with over 20 foreign leaders making their way to the Russian capital. Among them, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will join Putin and Xi to reflect on the past and discuss pressing global issues.
This trip will be Xi's third to Russia since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. While China has kept a neutral stance in the war, avoiding direct blame on Russia and openly criticizing Western sanctions, the focus of the visit will likely be on strengthening the long-standing partnership between Moscow and Beijing. The Kremlin’s statement made it clear that the leaders will delve into major issues, including the development of their strategic relationship and broader regional concerns.
Interestingly, this visit comes on the heels of a controversial proposal by Putin for a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly shot it down, calling it a “theatrical performance” and instead pushing for a longer, unconditional truce. Moscow countered, claiming that such a pause would allow Ukraine to regroup and resupply.
Zelensky also issued a warning to global leaders heading to Moscow, stating that Ukraine could not guarantee their safety, highlighting the delicate international tensions at play.
In addition to high-level talks, Xi and Putin are expected to sign several bilateral agreements, reinforcing the deepening ties between Russia and China. With both countries facing pressure from the West, their growing partnership remains a key element in the shifting geopolitical landscape.
As the world watches, this visit promises not just a commemoration of victory but a reflection of the changing power dynamics in global politics.
As the world watches, this visit promises not just a commemoration of victory but a reflection of the changing power dynamics in global politics.