Despite Drone Attacks from Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping Lands in Moscow
Amid a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Russian capital on Wednesday for a four-day state visit, underscoring the deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow.
The visit coincides with preparations for Russia’s annual Victory Day celebration, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. President Xi is expected to attend the military parade and engage in high-level discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, confirmed that Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed at least 19 Ukrainian drones overnight. The attacks triggered widespread disruption, forcing the temporary closure of most of the capital’s airports. Russia’s flagship airline, Aeroflot, announced adjustments to its flight schedules to accommodate the delays, which affected an estimated 60,000 passengers.
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According to Russian defence officials, over 500 drones were intercepted across multiple regions within a 24-hour period—part of what analysts describe as Ukraine’s attempt to disrupt the symbolic Victory Day celebrations and challenge Russian air defences near the capital.
The aerial threat also impacted international travel. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s plane was reportedly forced to reroute to Baku, Azerbaijan, after Latvia and Lithuania denied overflight clearance. His visit to Moscow has faced criticism from Western leaders, further intensifying regional tensions.
Despite the security concerns, President Xi’s visit marks his 11th to Russia since assuming office—more than to any other country—highlighting China’s strategic focus on its relationship with Russia. The Chinese leader is expected to sign a series of bilateral agreements aimed at expanding economic and security cooperation, reinforcing the “no-limits” partnership the two nations declared in 2022.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has described the visit as “one of the central events in Russian-Chinese relations this year,” noting its significance for global geopolitics amid ongoing international sanctions and military confrontations involving both nations.
Xi’s presence at Victory Day underscores China’s diplomatic balancing act as it seeks to maintain economic stability while strengthening alliances outside the Western sphere of influence.
By PRNigeria
