Chinese President Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Russia from May 7 to 10, the Kremlin announced on Sunday. During his trip, Xi will attend commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.
According to a statement posted on Telegram, Xi will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the advancement of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. The leaders are also expected to sign several bilateral agreements.
“The discussions will focus on strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, along with addressing key international and regional issues,” the Kremlin said.
The anniversary celebrations are significant in Russia, where Victory Day on May 9 is a major national holiday. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people during World War II, ultimately driving Nazi forces back to Berlin and raising the Soviet flag over the Reichstag in 1945.
Leaders from several other countries — including Brazil, Serbia, and Slovakia — are also expected to attend the commemorations in Moscow.
In light of the celebrations, President Putin has proposed a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine around May 9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded that he would support a ceasefire only if it lasted for 30 days, a condition the Kremlin rejected. Putin insisted that Russia seeks a long-term resolution to the conflict, not just a temporary pause.
Zelensky further noted that due to the ongoing war, Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of foreign dignitaries traveling to Moscow for the Victory Day parade.
