Xi Jinping Begins Four-Day Visit to Russia Amid Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Moscow
Chinese President to Attend Victory Day Parade and Hold High-Level Talks with Vladimir Putin.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to begin a four-day state visit, coinciding with a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian capital. The trip underscores China’s strengthening ties with Russia as the war in Ukraine grinds on and global tensions remain high.
Xi was welcomed by a military band on his arrival, ahead of his scheduled participation in Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations, which commemorate the Soviet victory in World War II. His visit comes at a critical moment, as Moscow scrambles to maintain security following drone strikes that prompted the temporary closure of most city airports and impacted travel for tens of thousands.
Russian officials reported that air defence systems intercepted at least 19 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow overnight. In a broader statement, Russia’s defence ministry claimed to have downed over 500 drones across various regions in the past 24 hours. The attacks disrupted international travel, forcing Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's plane to detour to Baku, Azerbaijan, before finally reaching Russia.
Vučić, already facing criticism from European nations for his visit, encountered further complications when Latvia and Lithuania reportedly barred his aircraft from their airspace.
Amid the chaos, Xi’s visit proceeds as a symbol of China’s unwavering support for Russia. This marks his 11th trip to the country since assuming the presidency, more than to any other nation. His presence is being framed by the Kremlin as one of the most significant diplomatic events of the year.
During his stay, Xi is expected to sign a series of cooperation agreements, further reinforcing the “no limits” partnership declared between Beijing and Moscow. Talks with President Vladimir Putin are scheduled for Thursday, with plans to discuss economic collaboration and the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which could transport 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia to China.
For the first time since 2015, China’s People’s Liberation Army will send an honor guard to the Red Square parade. A Chinese honor guard will also take part in a parallel Victory Day event in Minsk, Belarus, marking a first.
In an op-ed published on the day of his arrival, Xi emphasized the strategic importance of the Sino-Russian relationship, calling both nations “constructive forces” for global stability. He warned against external efforts to undermine their partnership.
Despite claiming neutrality in the war in Ukraine, Beijing has drawn criticism from Kyiv for allegedly enabling Russia’s military campaign. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of ignoring the involvement of Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces. While these individuals reportedly have no direct ties to the Chinese government, recruitment materials are accessible on state-controlled platforms.
China’s economic support has proven vital for Russia in the face of Western sanctions. Bilateral trade between the two countries hit a record $245 billion in 2024, up 66% from 2021.
Zelenskyy has expressed disapproval of foreign leaders attending the Victory Day events in Moscow, warning that Ukraine cannot be held accountable for any incidents that might occur during the celebrations.
Russia expects 29 foreign dignitaries to attend the Red Square parade—the largest international turnout since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Alongside Xi, notable attendees include Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Slovakia’s pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico.
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