The Kremlin announced on Sunday that Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to make an official visit to Russia from May 7 to May 10, during which he will take part in events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of Nazi Germany’s regime.
In a statement shared via Telegram, the Kremlin noted that Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening their nations’ strategic partnership and will also sign several 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 said.
The Soviet Union, which played a major role in defeating Nazi Germany, suffered the loss of 27 million people during World War II. Soviet troops eventually reached Berlin, where Hitler took his own life and the Soviet Victory Banner was raised over the Reichstag in 1945.
Leaders from other nations, including the presidents of Brazil and Serbia as well as the prime minister of Slovakia, are also expected to attend the commemorative events.
President Vladimir Putin has proposed a temporary ceasefire lasting three days with Ukraine during the May 9 holiday, a deeply significant date in Russia.
Responding to this offer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to consider it, but only if it were extended to 30 days a condition Putin has already dismissed for the time being, insisting instead on a lasting resolution rather than a brief halt.
Zelenskyy also stated that due to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine could not ensure the safety of foreign leaders visiting Moscow for the May 9 victory celebrations.
