Xi and Putin Reaffirm Ties Amid Ukraine War; EU Seeks Unified Approach Amid Trump's Russia Talks

On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the war in Ukraine and negotiations between Russia and the U.S. Xi affirmed strong ties with Russia, stating they are "good neighbors and true friends." He emphasized that their relationship is not directed against any third party. Putin reported on dialogues with the U.S. and pledged to work to eliminate the causes of the conflict in Ukraine. China expressed willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the war. Meanwhile, on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU leadership, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, traveled to Kyiv to reaffirm support. With Donald Trump's team negotiating with Russia, the EU seeks a unified approach to the situation. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg urged the EU to maintain a cool head.