Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a four-day visit to Russia from May 7 to May 10, 2025, coinciding with Moscow's celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. The Kremlin has announced that several treaties between the two nations are expected to be signed during this visit, which will also include discussions on the development of partnerships and strategic relations between China and Russia.
According to a statement from the Kremlin on May 4, both Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will engage in talks regarding various international and regional issues during this significant visit. The visit will culminate in a grand military parade on May 9, where Putin is scheduled to deliver a speech. This event will also host other international dignitaries, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
As preparations for the Victory Day celebrations unfold, the Russian military reported successfully repelling a drone attack targeting Moscow. Mayor Sergej Sobjanin confirmed that defense forces in the Podolsk district intercepted four drones heading towards the capital. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or injuries from falling debris, and emergency services were deployed to the area.
In the lead-up to these celebrations, the conflict in Ukraine remains intense, with reports indicating that the Russian military has continued its offensive operations against Ukraine. The Ukrainian General Staff reported over 200 battles occurring in a single day, with significant fighting reported around the town of Pokrowsk in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian defenders have reportedly thwarted 70 attacks, while an additional 12 assaults were ongoing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, during a recent visit to Prague, expressed gratitude towards the Czech Republic for its ammunition initiative, which facilitates the supply of artillery ammunition from third countries to Ukraine. Following a meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel, Selenskyj highlighted the unwavering support from the EU and NATO member state, stating, "We will continue these supplies as long as necessary, especially until a just peace for Ukraine is achieved." Pavel indicated that by the end of the year, the initiative could provide 1.8 million rounds of large-caliber ammunition, with 400,000 rounds already delivered from January to April 2025.
Despite the ongoing support, Selenskyj has voiced skepticism regarding a proposed three-day ceasefire by Russia during the upcoming Victory Day celebrations. He remarked, "We know who we are dealing with; we do not trust them," emphasizing that the Russian army has conducted over 200 attacks in a single day. He reiterated that Ukraine is ready to negotiate a ceasefire but insists on a permanent truce lasting at least 30 days, contrasting with Russia's limited ceasefire proposal.
On the ground, the Ukrainian military has reportedly conducted an attack on an electronics factory in the Russian border region of Bryansk, destroying significant portions of the facility. Regional Governor Alexander Bogomas confirmed that the attack resulted in no casualties, but the factory was believed to produce electronic components for the Russian military.
In Kyiv, a recent drone attack resulted in injuries to several civilians, including two teenagers, aged 14 and 17, who were hurt by falling debris. The attack caused fires in residential buildings and damaged multiple vehicles. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that four individuals sought medical assistance following the incident, as air alerts were issued across eastern and central Ukraine.
Selenskyj has also criticized the Russian leadership for its cynicism regarding the ceasefire discussions, pointing out that while Russia calls for a truce, it continues to launch daily attacks on Ukraine. He stated, "The Russians ask for a ceasefire on May 9 while shooting at Ukraine every day. This is cynicism at its highest level," highlighting the disparity between Russia's rhetoric and its actions.
As the situation evolves, the U.S. government has approved an agreement with Ukraine for spare parts and pilot training support for F-16 fighter jets, valued at approximately $310.5 million. This agreement is seen as a significant step in bolstering Ukraine's air capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.
In a broader context, the U.S. is reportedly preparing new economic sanctions against Russia, targeting the banking and energy sectors, including the energy giant Gazprom. These sanctions are part of an effort to increase pressure on Moscow as negotiations for a resolution to the war continue.
As the world watches these developments unfold, the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow are expected to attract significant attention, particularly given the presence of international leaders such as Xi Jinping and Lula da Silva. The juxtaposition of military celebrations in Russia against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Ukraine raises questions about the implications for regional stability and international relations.
Ukrainian officials, including Selenskyj, have urged foreign leaders to reconsider attending the Moscow celebrations, citing security concerns and the unpredictability of the situation. Selenskyj warned that Kyiv cannot guarantee the safety of visitors to the event, suggesting that Russia may engage in provocative actions during this high-profile occasion.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains focused on the potential for a ceasefire and the broader implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The coming days will be critical in shaping the future of both Ukraine and its relationships with key global partners.
