Russia is upping the ante in Ukraine by targeting newer locations and sharpening its assault. It is unleashing new weapons to change the course of the war even as the west continues to channelise weapons to Ukraine. Watch this report to get the latest from the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a fresh blitzkrieg, Moscow claims first 'smart bomb' kill | Ukraine war updates

The claimed intention of Russian President Vladimir Putin to place nuclear weapons in Belarus' neighbouring country was denounced by US President Joe Biden on Tuesday as "dangerous" language. At the White House, Biden told reporters, "This is a dangerous kind of discourse and it's disturbing." Earlier, NATO condemned President Vladimir Putin's decision to deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in its neighbouring country Belarus. Putin made this announcement, as per Russian media reports, this will be the first time since the mid-1990s that Moscow would be stationed in such arms outside its territory.

Joe Biden expresses concern over Vladimir Putin's move to station nukes, calls it dangerous

Russia is set to deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in in its neighbouring country Belarus. President Vladimir Putin made this announcement, as per Russian media reports, this will be the first time since mid-1990s that Moscow would be stationed in such arms outside its territory. NATO has condemns Putin's decision.

Russia to station nuclear weapons in Belarus; NATO condemns Putin's dangerous rhetoric

Russia is set to deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in in its neighbouring country Belarus. President Vladimir Putin made this announcement, as per Russian media reports, this will be the first time since mid-1990s that Moscow would be stationed in such arms outside its territory.

Russia to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Putin says 'not violating int'l obligations'

Russian President Putin: Not violating our international obligations

With the Russia-Ukraine war in its 14th month now, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he would deploy tactical nuclear weapons inside the territory of its neighbour and ally Belarus, another statement which strongly indicates that the West-Russia rivalry is only here to continue.&nbsp;

"There is nothing unusual here either: the United States has been doing this for decades. They have long placed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin said to validate the move, reported AFP.

Reacting to the statements made by the Russian leader, a&nbsp;senior administration official noted that&nbsp;Moscow and Minsk had talked about such a deal over the past year, and added that there were no signs Moscow planned to use its nuclear weapons, reports Reuters news agency.

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Putin further said he already spoke to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko regarding this and both the leaders "agreed to do the same."

"We agreed that we will do the same - without violating our obligations, I emphasize, without violating our international obligations on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons."

The Russian president also threatened to send depleted uranium weapons to Ukraine in case Kyiv were to get such weapons from the West. "Russia of course has what it needs to answer. Without exaggeration, we have hundreds of thousands of such shells. We have not used them yet," he said.

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However, Putin affirmed that this will not violate non-proliferation agreements. In talks with state television, Putin said Lukashenko had long raised the issue of stationing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.&nbsp;

By July 1, Russia will have finished building a facility in Belarus for storing tactical nuclear weapons, said Putin,&nbsp;adding&nbsp;that Moscow would not really be handing control of the weapons to Minsk.

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-on-a-diplomatic-blitz-as-ukraine-war-rages-peace-plan-too-vague-to-make-a-difference-wion-575604">China on a diplomatic blitz as Ukraine war rages | Peace plan too vague to make a difference?&nbsp;</a>

He went on to say that Moscow has previously given Belarus a number of Iskander tactical missile systems that may be used to fire nuclear weapons. According to Putin, Russia has stationed 10 planes in Belarus that are capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. 
 
Meawhile, the U.S. said it would “monitor the implications” of Putin’s announcement, said a report&nbsp;by AP.

“We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture nor any indications Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon,” said National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. “We remain committed to the collective defence of the NATO alliance.”

On Monday, Britain had acknowledged that it was giving Ukraine weapons laced with depleted uranium. Because of its density and other characteristics, the heavy metal is utilised in weaponry because it can more readily penetrate armour and tanks.

Putin, meanwhile, denounced British intentions to transfer such ammunition to Ukraine on Tuesday, warning that Moscow would be compelled to take appropriate action since such weapons "had a nuclear component."

After Russian President Vladimir Putin's criticism of Britain for providing depleted uranium to Ukrainian forces, Britain's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated on Wednesday that there has been no nuclear escalation in the Ukraine war.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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With the Russia-Ukraine war in its 14th month now, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he would deploy tactical nuclear weapons inside the territory of its neighbour and ally Belarus, another statement which strongly indicates that the West-Russia rivalry is only here to continue.

With the Russia-Ukraine war in its 14th month now, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he would deploy tactical nuclear weapons inside the territory of its neighbour and ally Belarus, another statement which strongly indicates that the West-Russia rivalry is only here to continue. "There is nothing unusual here either: the United States has been doing this for decades. They have long placed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin said to validate the move, reported AFP. Reacting to the statements made by the Russian leader, a senior administration official noted that Moscow and Minsk had talked about such a deal over the past year, and added that there were no signs Moscow planned to use its nuclear weapons, reports Reuters news agency. Also Read | Russia to skip Earth Hour 2023, designates WWF a foreign agent Putin further said he already spoke to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko regarding this and both the leaders "agreed to do the same." "We agreed that we will do the same - without violating our obligations, I emphasize, without violating our international obligations on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons." The Russian president also threatened to send depleted uranium weapons to Ukraine in case Kyiv were to get such weapons from the West. "Russia of course has what it needs to answer. Without exaggeration, we have hundreds of thousands of such shells. We have not used them yet," he said. Also Read | Eric Garcetti sworn in as US ambassador to India However, Putin affirmed that this will not violate non-proliferation agreements. In talks with state television, Putin said Lukashenko had long raised the issue of stationing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. By July 1, Russia will have finished building a facility in Belarus for storing tactical nuclear weapons, said Putin, adding that Moscow would not really be handing control of the weapons to Minsk. WATCH | China on a diplomatic blitz as Ukraine war rages | Peace plan too vague to make a difference? He went on to say that Moscow has previously given Belarus a number of Iskander tactical missile systems that may be used to fire nuclear weapons. According to Putin, Russia has stationed 10 planes in Belarus that are capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. Meawhile, the U.S. said it would “monitor the implications” of Putin’s announcement, said a report by AP. “We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture nor any indications Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon,” said National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. “We remain committed to the collective defence of the NATO alliance.” On Monday, Britain had acknowledged that it was giving Ukraine weapons laced with depleted uranium. Because of its density and other characteristics, the heavy metal is utilised in weaponry because it can more readily penetrate armour and tanks. Putin, meanwhile, denounced British intentions to transfer such ammunition to Ukraine on Tuesday, warning that Moscow would be compelled to take appropriate action since such weapons "had a nuclear component." After Russian President Vladimir Putin's criticism of Britain for providing depleted uranium to Ukrainian forces, Britain's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated on Wednesday that there has been no nuclear escalation in the Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus; US says will ‘monitor implications’

The United Nations has said that it is deeply concerned about summary executions of prisoners of war by both Russian and Ukrainian forces. Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of mistreating prisoners of war since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine a year ago. The head of the UN human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine stated her organisation had recently recorded killings by both sides.

'Summary executions' of Prisoners of War; UN accuses Ukrainian & Russian Armed Forces | Details

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday condemned British plans to send tank ammunition that contains depleted uranium to Ukraine, saying Moscow would be forced to respond accordingly.

All about UK's depleted Uranium transfer

The three-day meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping ended Wednesday. The two leaders discussed peace plans for ending the war in Ukraine and committed to “further deepen military mutual trust” between Russia and China.

Key Takeaways from Xi- Jinping's Russia visit

Former Russian president and a staunch Putin-ally Dmitry Medvedev&nbsp;warned on Thursday (March 23) that any attempt to arrest President Vladimir Putin will be considered&nbsp;as a declaration of war against Russia. He was speaking with Russian journalists.

While his interaction with journalists, including&nbsp;those from state news agency TASS, Medvedev said Ukraine was part of "Greater Russia," and added that he saw no prospects for reviving Russia's ties with the West in the near future. Medvedev is now deputy chairman of Russia's security council.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Risk of nuclear clash is at highest level in decades

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague recently issued an arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin for war crimes in connection with deportation of Ukrainian children during the raging conflict in Ukraine.

The Russian side has vehemently rejected the warrant and has raised questions on its legality.

Medvedev on Thursday, said that the threat of nuclear conflict was growing and that the nuclear parity with the US and their allies and even Russia’s superiority guarantees its integrity although West strives to break the country up.

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Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the conflict, the Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives. However, Ukrainian forces are facing Russian pressure especially around the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Russian president and a staunch Putin-ally Dmitry Medvedev warned on Thursday (March 23) that any attempt to arrest President Vladimir Putin will be considered as a declaration of war against Russia.

Former Russian president and a staunch Putin-ally Dmitry Medvedev warned on Thursday (March 23) that any attempt to arrest President Vladimir Putin will be considered as a declaration of war against Russia. He was speaking with Russian journalists. While his interaction with journalists, including those from state news agency TASS, Medvedev said Ukraine was part of "Greater Russia," and added that he saw no prospects for reviving Russia's ties with the West in the near future. Medvedev is now deputy chairman of Russia's security council. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Risk of nuclear clash is at highest level in decades × The International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague recently issued an arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin for war crimes in connection with deportation of Ukrainian children during the raging conflict in Ukraine. The Russian side has vehemently rejected the warrant and has raised questions on its legality. Medvedev on Thursday, said that the threat of nuclear conflict was growing and that the nuclear parity with the US and their allies and even Russia’s superiority guarantees its integrity although West strives to break the country up. Also Read | China hasn't 'crossed line' to provide Russia 'lethal aid,' says top US diplomat Blinken Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the conflict, the Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives. However, Ukrainian forces are facing Russian pressure especially around the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Any attempt to arrest Putin will be declaration of war, says former Russian president Medvedev

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that China's Ukraine "peace plan" could be discussed and that Moscow is always open to dialogue. The Russian leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Moscow to discuss the conflict, and relations between the two countries.

'No winners in a nuclear war': Russia-China joint statement

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that China's Ukraine "peace plan" could be discussed and that Moscow is always open to dialogue. The Russian leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Moscow to discuss the conflict, and relations between the two countries.

China plan could end war, but Ukraine and West not ready for peace, says Putin

Will China's peace plan work? Putin says he has viewed the plan carefully & with respect. But, will he sit down for talks with Zelensky? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Will China's peace plan work? | Will Putin sit down for talks with Zelensky?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe. Russian bombers fly over sea of Japan, Zelensky hails Prime Minister Kishida, says talks were 'productive', Earthquake with magnitude 6.6 strikes northern Afghanistan.

Xi reiterates China's adherence to UN; Is Xi more commanding than Putin? | WION Speed News

After moves by the U.S. And uk to ban chinese app tiktok. Russia has decided to get back at the US. Over its iphone, terming it a spy instrument. Kremlin staff involved in president Vladimir Putin’s 2024 re-election campaign. Have been banned from using their iphones for fear of espionage. Officials in the Russian presidential administration’s domestic policy, public projects, state council and I.T. Departments — known as the kremlin’s internal bloc. Have been told to discard their iphones by the 1st of April. Moscow is concerned that America's most popular communication device is more susceptible to hacking and espionage by western specialists than other smartphones.

iPhones barred in Putin's office

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that China's Ukraine "peace plan" could be discussed and that Moscow is always open for dialogue. Watch the video to know more.

Xi Jinping: China values relationship with Russia

Vladimir Putin hosted his "dear friend" Xi Jinping for dinner at the Kremlin on Monday, showing off his relationship with his most powerful ally just days after an international court called for the Russian president's arrest for war crimes in Ukraine.

Putin flaunts alliance with Xi as 'dear friends' meet in Kremlin |

‘Dear friends’ Xi & Putin meet in Moscow

Putin: Open to discuss China's peace-plan

The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Russian president Vladimir Putin. The hague had also issued a warrant against Russia's presidential commissioner for child rights, Maria Vova-Bilova. Russia is being accused of war crimes for allegedly deporting Ukrainian children illegally. While the U.S has called the arrest warrant justified and have themselves alleged war crimes were committed by the Russian side in Ukraine, President Biden has admitted that the warrant is unrecognized by the U.S. So what does the arrest warrant mean for President Putin? How does it impact the war in Ukraine and is the warrant even enforceable?

Can Putin be arrested by the international criminal court?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the&nbsp; abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. 
 
The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation,&nbsp;on similar charges.&nbsp;

The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."

Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice.

“The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media.

Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment.

“The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. 
 
“This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said.

"In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added.

"To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated.

UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab&nbsp;said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point".&nbsp;

Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’.

"The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media.

"Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added.&nbsp;

"Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, on similar charges. The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation." Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice. “The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media. Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment. “The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. “This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said. "In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added. "To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated. UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point". Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’. "The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media. "Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added. "Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year.

The Tass news agency, citing Kremlin, reported that Putin flew to the southern port city by helicopter.&nbsp;

"Putin flew to Mariupol by helicopter, then driving a car drove around several districts of the city and making stops. In the Nevsky microdistrict, Putin spoke with the townspeople. He also examined the coastline of Mariupol," Kremlin said in a statement, the TASS report said.

The Russian leader also met with the top command of his military operation in Ukraine, including Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine,&nbsp;state media reported.

The meeting took place at the Rostov-on-Don command post in southern Russia,&nbsp;TASS&nbsp; reported further.

Putin was in Crimea on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the peninsula's annexation.&nbsp;His visit came just a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him&nbsp;of war crimes pertaining to the deportation of children. Russia has dismissed these allegations but Putin himself is yet to comment on the arrest warrant.

<h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation</h2>

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Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said that Putin was expected to take part in the opening of children's art school via video link.&nbsp;

"But Vladimir Vladimirovich came in person. Himself. Behind the wheel. Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol," the Moscow-appointed official said.

State media did not broadcast any remarks from Putin immediately after his arrival in Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year.

Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year. The Tass news agency, citing Kremlin, reported that Putin flew to the southern port city by helicopter. "Putin flew to Mariupol by helicopter, then driving a car drove around several districts of the city and making stops. In the Nevsky microdistrict, Putin spoke with the townspeople. He also examined the coastline of Mariupol," Kremlin said in a statement, the TASS report said. The Russian leader also met with the top command of his military operation in Ukraine, including Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine, state media reported. The meeting took place at the Rostov-on-Don command post in southern Russia, TASS reported further. Putin was in Crimea on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the peninsula's annexation. His visit came just a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him of war crimes pertaining to the deportation of children. Russia has dismissed these allegations but Putin himself is yet to comment on the arrest warrant. Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said that Putin was expected to take part in the opening of children's art school via video link. "But Vladimir Vladimirovich came in person. Himself. Behind the wheel. Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol," the Moscow-appointed official said. State media did not broadcast any remarks from Putin immediately after his arrival in Crimea. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

After Crimea, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits occupied Mariupol in Ukraine for the first time

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow today. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Putin to welcome Xi Jinping to Moscow today

China President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Moscow today (March 20),&nbsp;giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost.&nbsp;The visit by Xi comes in the midst of escalating East-West tensions over the&nbsp;13-month-old war in Ukraine and is the most recent indication of Beijing's reinvigorated diplomatic goals.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;declared on Friday it would&nbsp;oppose any attempt by China to establish a truce in Ukraine at the meeting that amounts to a "ratification of Russian annexation" of Ukrainian territory,&nbsp;reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, urged Xi to get in touch with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, to learn about his nation's perspective on the conflict and steer clear of any "one-sided" proposals.&nbsp;

By refusing to denounce Moscow's aggressiveness and announcing a "no-limits" friendship with Russia last year, China has attempted to portray itself as impartial in the war. Beijing has criticised Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and claimed that NATO and the United States were responsible for inciting Putin to use force.&nbsp;

The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any nation should be respected, China has maintained throughout the conflict. It's not clear, though, whether it agrees with Moscow's assertions that it has occupied Ukrainian land.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Xi Jinping Russia Visit: Official talks between Putin and Jinping to be held on March 21

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Xi’s visit would be his his first meeting with Putin since September, when they met on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan. Prior to&nbsp;that, Putin attended the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games and met with Xi shortly&nbsp;before launching an attack on Ukraine.&nbsp;

Putin invited Xi to visit Russia during a video conference call the two made in late December. It may "demonstrate to the whole world the strength of the Russian-Chinese ties" and "become the main political event of the year in bilateral relations," according to Putin.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-discusses-mariupol-reconstruction-plans-during-surprise-visit-573646">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin discusses Mariupol reconstruction plans during surprise visit</a>

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that Xi and Putin will talk about&nbsp;“bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern....”

“Currently, the world is entering a new period of turbulence and reform with the accelerated evolution of changes of the century,” he added.” As permanent members of the UN&nbsp;Security Council and important major countries, the significance and impact of the China-Russia relations go far beyond the bilateral sphere,” he continued.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Moscow today (March 20), giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost. The visit by Xi comes in the midst of escalating East-West tensions over the 13-month-old war in Ukraine and is the most recent indication of Beijing's reinvigorated diplomatic goals.

China President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Moscow today (March 20), giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost. The visit by Xi comes in the midst of escalating East-West tensions over the 13-month-old war in Ukraine and is the most recent indication of Beijing's reinvigorated diplomatic goals. The US declared on Friday it would oppose any attempt by China to establish a truce in Ukraine at the meeting that amounts to a "ratification of Russian annexation" of Ukrainian territory, reported the Associated Press. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, urged Xi to get in touch with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, to learn about his nation's perspective on the conflict and steer clear of any "one-sided" proposals. By refusing to denounce Moscow's aggressiveness and announcing a "no-limits" friendship with Russia last year, China has attempted to portray itself as impartial in the war. Beijing has criticised Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and claimed that NATO and the United States were responsible for inciting Putin to use force. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any nation should be respected, China has maintained throughout the conflict. It's not clear, though, whether it agrees with Moscow's assertions that it has occupied Ukrainian land. ALSO WATCH | Xi Jinping Russia Visit: Official talks between Putin and Jinping to be held on March 21 Xi’s visit would be his his first meeting with Putin since September, when they met on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan. Prior to that, Putin attended the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games and met with Xi shortly before launching an attack on Ukraine. Putin invited Xi to visit Russia during a video conference call the two made in late December. It may "demonstrate to the whole world the strength of the Russian-Chinese ties" and "become the main political event of the year in bilateral relations," according to Putin. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin discusses Mariupol reconstruction plans during surprise visit Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that Xi and Putin will talk about “bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern....” “Currently, the world is entering a new period of turbulence and reform with the accelerated evolution of changes of the century,” he added.” As permanent members of the UN Security Council and important major countries, the significance and impact of the China-Russia relations go far beyond the bilateral sphere,” he continued. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China's Xi heads to Russia amid Ukraine war; to discuss bilateral ties, global issues

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow tomorrow. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

China's Xi Jinping to visit Russia, to meet Putin

After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war?

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Crimea on ninth anniversary of its annexation. In a surprise visit Putin was seen touring an art school along with the local Governor. The visits comes a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation

The Russian State media says Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the war ravish Port of Mariupol. This is the Kremlin Leader's first visit to the newly occupied Ukrainian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin makes surprise visit to South-Eastern Ukraine

China's Xi Jinping to meet Putin as Beijing seeks bolder Global role

Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow tomorrow. This is being seen as a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin who has largely been isolated by various countries. China hopes to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict but the big question is can China actually be an honest broker for peace?

Major diplomatic boost for Vladimir Putin as Xi Jinping to visit Russia?

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