Mr. Putin, whose economy remains largely isolated because of Western sanctions over his invasion of Ukraine, relies on Mr. Xi, China’s leader, for diplomatic cover and a financial lifeline, including huge purchases of Russian oil.
But Mr. Putin will need more help to sustain his war machine, especially now as his military makes a push near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, before billions of dollars’ worth of arms arrives from the United States to shore up Ukraine’s depleted forces.
In Beijing, Mr. Putin sought to show that Moscow was deepening its ties with Beijing as a bulwark against Western attempts to contain their countries.
“We are working in solidarity on the formulation of a more just and democratic multipolar world order,” he said.
He also said the leaders discussed working more closely in energy and nuclear power research, though made no mention of a proposed natural gas pipeline to China that Moscow would like to see built.
Persons:
Vladimir V, Putin of, ” Xi, Mr, Putin, Xi, ”
Organizations:
Russian
Locations:
Ukraine, Putin of Russia, Beijing, Kharkiv, Ukraine’s, United States, Moscow, China