Facing a stiff challenge from the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be inching closer to China in search of support as the Western world keeps arming Kyiv. Russia has lost key strategic areas in Ukraine over the weekend, even though nearly a fifth of Ukraine is still under Moscow’s control.

Russia’s attempt to get closer to China could be seen at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia. Senior Russian and Chinese leaders met and are said to be trying to organise a meeting between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu met Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia’s State Duma, at the economic forum.   

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Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia’s State Duma, issued a statement saying, “China understands and supports Russia on issues that represent its vital interests, in particular on the situation in Ukraine.”

“We see that the United States and its NATO allies are expanding their presence near the Russian borders, seriously threatening national security and the lives of Russian citizens. We fully understand the necessity of all the measures taken by Russia aimed at protecting its key interests, we are providing our assistance,” Li Zhanshu was quoted as saying.

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“On the Ukrainian issue, we see how they have put Russia in an impossible situation. And in this case, Russia made an important choice and responded firmly,” the Chinese official added.  

China has refused to condemn Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. They have even refused to call it a war. The Chinese official said: “China understands and supports Russia on issues that represent its vital interests, in particular on the situation in Ukraine.”