Xi Jinping to Visit Russia for 4 Days Along with Victory Day Celebrations

Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Russia from May 7th to May 10th for a state visit that coincides with the 80th anniversary of Victory Day celebrations marking the end of World War II in Europe. The Kremlin confirmed Xi’s visit on Sunday, noting that the Chinese leader will attend the May 9th military parade in Moscow alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

The visit will mark Xi’s third trip to Russia since the launch of Moscow’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine in February 2022, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between China and Russia amid heightened global tensions.

During his four-day visit, Xi and Putin are expected to hold bilateral talks, though official details of the agenda remain undisclosed. One likely topic of discussion is the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, which would channel Russian natural gas to China via Mongolia. The Mongolian government began surveying land for the pipeline earlier this year in March, signaling momentum behind the long-anticipated energy deal.

In addition to soldiers from former Soviet Republics, The Victory Day parade will also see Chinese troops marching in Red Square, alongside Vietnamese military units. North Korean soldiers—who reportedly fought alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region—are rumored to be participating as well, further reflecting the emerging axis of cooperation among U.S. adversaries.

Xi’s arrival in Moscow will coincide with the visits of over 20 foreign leaders attending the commemorations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning over the weekend, cautioning that Ukraine “cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation” while stating that the security of foreign officials in Moscow could not be guaranteed.

Previously, Zelensky had stated that Russia should be concerned about the safety of its Victory Day parade.