Xi and Putin Coordinate Ahead of Expected US-Russia Summit on Ukraine Crisis
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Friday to discuss the ongoing Ukraine crisis and the expected US-Russia summit, according to reports from various international news outlets. The call comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to end the Ukraine war and potentially 'un-unite' the Xi-Putin alliance.
Background and Context
As reported by South China Morning Post and RT (Russia Today), Putin briefed Xi on the recent talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the Ukraine conflict. TASS and Kyiv Independent added that Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, one of Putin's closest international allies, was also involved in the discussions.
US President Trump has given Russia a ten-day ultimatum, until Friday, to end its offensive in Ukraine or face new sanctions, as reported by Le Monde. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff may travel to Russia on Aug. 6 or 7, just days before the deadline, as reported by both RT (Russia Today) and Kyiv Independent.
Key Developments
According to Xi’s office and state broadcaster CCTV, both leaders expressed appreciation for the continued contact between Russia and the US, stating they support improved relations and a long-lasting political resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Putin also said that Russia values China’s constructive role in resolving the Ukraine crisis and is ready to maintain close coordination with Beijing.
The discussions came ahead of an expected summit between Putin and Trump, as reported by South China Morning Post. The Russian leader was on the phone with Xi Jinping to secure Beijing’s backing just hours before Trump announced the summit.
Implications and Reactions
While Chinese experts voiced skepticism about the prospects for the summit and its aim of negotiating an end to the Ukraine war, Tehran Times reported that Xi Jinping stated China will remain consistent in its position on the Ukraine crisis and will continue promoting peace talks no matter how the situation evolves.
Fox News reported that Trump is considering a strategy to drive a wedge between China and Russia, potentially by pushing China to stop purchasing Russian oil or face tariffs. However, Chinese officials have reportedly doubled down in their support for Moscow.
Conclusion
As the US-Russian summit and Trump's deadline for a peace deal approach, the world awaits the next moves from all parties involved. The Guardian reported that Trump's decision could define his presidency, while analysts quoted by Kyiv Independent characterized Witkoff's potential visit to Russia as 'one last chance' for Putin before Trump takes action.
The stakes are clearly high, and the coming days are likely to be crucial in determining the future of the Ukraine crisis and the international relationships involved.