Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia from May 7 to 10, where he will take part in events marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Kremlin announced on Sunday.
According to an official statement, Xi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing development of their strategic partnership and sign various bilateral agreements.
“The discussions will focus on the advancement of the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the two nations, along with key issues on the global and regional agenda,” the Kremlin stated.
The Soviet Union played a major role in World War II, losing 27 million lives but ultimately driving Nazi troops back to Berlin. There, in 1945, Hitler died by suicide and Soviet forces raised the victory banner over the Reichstag.
Several other world leaders, including the presidents of Brazil and Serbia and the prime minister of Slovakia, are also expected to attend the commemorative events.
As part of the May 9 observance—an important date on the Russian calendar—Putin has proposed a temporary three-day ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed openness to the idea but insisted any ceasefire should last for at least 30 days. Putin, however, has ruled out a short-term pause, reiterating his preference for a long-term resolution rather than a brief truce.
Zelensky also noted that due to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine cannot ensure the safety of any international dignitaries who might choose to attend the Moscow ceremony.
