Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at the Kremlin on Thursday for high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking his role as the most prominent guest at Russia’s May 9 celebrations commemorating the World War II victory over Nazi Germany.
AFP reporters witnessed Xi’s arrival in Moscow, where he was greeted with a military band, underscoring the deepening ties between China and Russia. This visit, occurring amid Russia’s isolation from the West due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, highlights China’s critical economic and diplomatic support for Moscow. Via AFP. Explore Russia-China relations.
A Strategic Partnership Amid Global Tensions
Xi’s visit, his 11th to Russia since becoming president, comes at a pivotal moment. China has become Russia’s largest buyer of oil and gas, providing an economic lifeline against Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war. The Kremlin announced that Xi and Putin will discuss advancing their “comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation” and sign several agreements during the visit, which runs from May 7–10. Learn more about the Ukraine conflict.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/china-xi-visit-russia-may-7-10-kremlin-says-2025-05-04/)The timing is notable, as Xi’s arrival followed Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, which disrupted airports and prompted Kyiv to criticize foreign leaders attending the Victory Day parade. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry urged nations not to send military delegations, citing neutrality concerns. Despite this, China’s People’s Liberation Army will participate in the Red Square parade for the first time since 2015. Read about WWII Victory Day.
[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/07/xi-jinping-begins-russia-visit-china-ukrainian-drones-moscow)
Geopolitical Context: Ukraine and US Trade War
Xi’s visit coincides with heightened tensions with the United States, which imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods amid an escalating trade war. Ukraine has also accused China of aiding Russia’s war efforts, claims Beijing denies, asserting its neutral stance. The Kremlin, however, views Xi’s presence alongside 28 other world leaders as a sign of Russia’s enduring global influence. Stay updated on the US-China trade war.
[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/07/xi-jinping-begins-russia-visit-china-ukrainian-drones-moscow)[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/world/asia/china-ukraine-russia.html)Posts on X reflect the sentiment that Xi’s visit is a strategic move to bolster an anti-Western axis, with some users noting China’s supply of dual-use technology to Russia’s defense sector. However, these claims remain speculative and require further verification. Explore geopolitical trends.
Historical Significance: WWII and the Soviet Sacrifice
The May 9 Victory Day parade commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany, a conflict that claimed 27 million Soviet lives, including millions in Ukraine. The Red Soviet Victory Banner was raised over Berlin’s Reichstag in 1945, marking a defining moment in history. Putin has drawn parallels between this victory and Russia’s current actions in Ukraine, a narrative that has sparked controversy. Discover Russian history.
[](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-drone-attack-moscow-airports-shut-xi-jinping-putin-rcna205287)Traditional Russian Recipe: Borscht
To celebrate Russian culture, here’s a recipe for borscht, a vibrant beet soup cherished across Eastern Europe:
Classic Russian Borscht
Ingredients:
- 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 lb beef (chuck or stew meat), cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream and dill for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat oil and brown beef cubes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and beets in the same pot for 10 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot, add broth, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Add potatoes and cabbage, cooking for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Stir in vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of dill.
Explore more Russian traditions.
Conclusion
Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow for the WWII Victory Day celebrations underscores the strengthening Russia-China alliance amid global geopolitical shifts. As the Kremlin hosts world leaders, the talks between Xi and Putin will shape the future of their strategic partnership and influence the Ukraine conflict’s trajectory. Stay informed with Planet-Today.com for the latest global updates.
Author: Planet-Today.com