Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Russia from May 7 to 10 to take part in the 80th anniversary celebrations of the defeat of Nazi Germany, as announced by the Kremlin on Sunday. According to a statement on Telegram, Xi will engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the advancement of their strategic partnership and the signing of several agreements.
The Kremlin noted that the talks will cover key topics related to the ongoing development of their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, along with pressing international and regional issues.
The Soviet Union suffered 27 million casualties during World War II but successfully repelled Nazi forces to Berlin, where Hitler took his own life and the red Soviet Victory Banner was hoisted over the Reichstag in 1945.
Other national leaders, including the presidents of Brazil and Serbia, as well as the prime minister of Slovakia, are also expected to attend the celebrations. Putin has suggested a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine coinciding with the May 9 festivities, which hold significant importance in the Russian calendar.
In response to Moscow’s ceasefire proposal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed willingness to agree, provided the ceasefire lasts for 30 days, a duration Putin has dismissed for the immediate future, emphasizing his desire for a long-term resolution rather than a temporary halt.
Zelenskiy has stated that, due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine cannot ensure the safety of any foreign dignitaries attending the traditional May 9 victory parade in Moscow. In recent weeks, Zelenskiy has intensified his criticism of China, accusing it of supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia. Russian state news agency RIA reported that in a documentary commemorating 25 years since his initial inauguration as president, Putin described Russia’s relationship with China as ‘truly strategic in nature and deeply rooted.’
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