Xi Jinping to Visit Russia for WWII Anniversary Celebrations Amid Tensions Over Ukraine War

Chinese president will discuss strategic partnership with Putin and sign number of documents from May 7-1

By DTD- Last updated May 4, 2025

MOSCOW – Chinese President Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Russia from May 7 to 10 to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Kremlin announced on Sunday.

In a statement released via Telegram, the Kremlin said Xi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing development of their countries’ strategic partnership and sign multiple bilateral agreements. “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 stated.

The visit coincides with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, a major national holiday marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II—a conflict in which the USSR lost approximately 27 million people.

Leaders from several other countries, including Brazil, Serbia, and Slovakia, are also expected to attend the commemorative events in Moscow.

President Putin has proposed a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine around the May 9 celebrations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded that Ukraine would only consider a 30-day ceasefire, a condition Putin has rejected, insisting instead on pursuing a long-term resolution rather than a temporary pause.

Zelenskiy also expressed concerns over the safety of foreign dignitaries attending the Moscow parade amid the ongoing conflict. Additionally, he has recently intensified criticism of China, accusing Beijing of supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia.

Despite global tensions, Putin emphasized the depth of Russian-Chinese relations in a documentary aired Sunday marking 25 years since his first presidential inauguration. He described the relationship as “truly strategic in nature” and noted, “Our national interests coincide,” according to Russian state news agency RIA.