Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia from May 7 to May 10, 2025, in a high-profile diplomatic engagement that underscores deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow. The visit coincides with Russia’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany—one of the most significant dates in the Russian calendar.
According to a statement released by the Kremlin, President Xi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit. The two leaders will hold talks focused on strengthening their nations’ comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. A number of bilateral agreements are expected to be signed during the summit.
“During the talks, the main issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda will be discussed,” the Kremlin said on its official Telegram channel.
Xi’s presence at the Victory Day celebration is highly symbolic, especially amid escalating global tensions and Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine. The Soviet Union, which lost an estimated 27 million lives during World War II, has long used the May 9 celebration as a moment of national pride. In 1945, Soviet troops raised the red banner over the German Reichstag following the defeat of Hitler’s Nazi regime.
Several other world leaders, including the presidents of Brazil and Serbia and the Prime Minister of Slovakia, are also expected to attend the commemorations.
In light of the occasion, President Putin proposed a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine from May 8 to 10. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded by stating he would only consider a truce if it extended to 30 days. Putin, on the other hand, rejected the idea of a short-term ceasefire, insisting that Russia seeks a lasting resolution, not a brief pause in hostilities.
Zelenskiy also issued a cautionary statement, emphasizing that Ukraine cannot ensure the safety of any foreign dignitaries visiting Moscow while active conflict persists. His warning comes amid growing frustration over China’s perceived support for Russia. In recent weeks, Zelenskiy accused China of supplying Russia with weapons and military materials like gunpowder.
Despite international scrutiny, Putin reaffirmed the strength of Russia’s alliance with China. In a recent state television documentary commemorating 25 years since he first took office, Putin stated, “Our national interests coincide,” describing the Sino-Russian relationship as “truly strategic in nature, deep-seated.”
As the world watches, Xi’s upcoming trip is not just about honoring the past—it may signal a recalibration of global alliances in the face of war, power shifts, and evolving diplomacy.
