Putin and Xi discuss Ukraine crisis over tea in Moscow

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held informal talks over tea in Moscow on May 8, during which they discussed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

The ministry stated that President Putin appreciated China’s "objective and impartial" position on resolving the conflict and reiterated Russia’s readiness to begin peace talks without preconditions. He expressed hope for a "just and lasting" peace agreement.

Xi is on an official visit to Moscow to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. Kremlin footage showed the leaders sharing tea in a relaxed setting, with the conversation reportedly lasting around an hour.