Russian leader Putin sets foot in China, embarking on a substantial multiple-day trip

Russian Leader Putin Journeys to China for Extended Stay

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Saturday evening for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, joining more than 20 heads of state and government, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The SCO meeting, the largest since its founding in 2001, is set to take place from Sunday to Monday, under the chairmanship of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the situation remains tense as Ukrainian forces have achieved successes on the front line, preventing Russian troops from capturing targets in the Donetsk region and stopping further advances into the Dnipropetrovsk region. However, civilian targets continue to be hit, with one person dying and at least 30 being injured in the city of Saporischschja.

Ukrainian air defense intercepted 537 drones and 45 missiles overnight, one of the most intense Russian air assaults since the start of the large-scale invasion in February 2022. Moscow's Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov announced a continuation of extensive air attacks against Ukraine, targeting military facilities and the defense industry.

In response, the European Union wants to explore how frozen Russian assets could ultimately be used to finance Ukraine's defense and reconstruction after the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephonic conversation with Modi before his meeting with Putin, discussing the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects, and efforts towards restoring peace and stability.

Modi also plans to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin on Monday. The United States has considered deploying private US military companies in Ukraine to build and secure defensive positions and military bases, potentially as part of a peace plan following a Russia-Ukraine agreement. European NATO allies are also involved in rearming and training Ukrainian forces.

Elsewhere, the Lithuanian military is installing obstacles, known as "Dragon's Teeth," to strengthen security on unused roads at border control points with Russia and Belarus. These obstacles are part of the Baltic Defense Line, a planned defense line along the borders of the Baltic states with Russia and Belarus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in the People's Republic of China for a multi-day visit, landing in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. However, reports suggest that Russian units have been encircled near Dobropillia, but a Russian statement is not yet available.

Modi posted on social media that India supports all such efforts unreservedly. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas states that all members agree that "it is unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again if it does not fully compensate Ukraine for the war damages."

As the SCO summit commences, the international community continues to watch the developments in Ukraine closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.