President Vladimir Putin used his meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to “promote Kremlin narratives feigning interest in peace negotiations”, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War say.
The pair signed a joint statement yesterday alluding to Russia’s support for the China’s proposed peace plan and a possible future Chinese-led negotiation to end the war in Ukraine.
In the statement, they claim both countries support a “sustainable settlement” for the “Ukraine crisis”.
The ISW said it has “previously assessed” the Kremlin will “continue to use any calls for peace negotiations to feign interest in negotiations” in the hope of undermining Western support for Ukraine.
Moscow also hopes the West will force Ukraine into negotiations with Russia that make concessions on Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, the ISW added.
‘Decisive’ relationship
Meanwhile, the institute says, Mr Putin likely views Moscow’s relationship with Beijing as “decisive” in his bid to further mobilise the Russian economy and defence industry to support his war in Ukraine.
“Putin and Xi highlighted bilateral trade and economic cooperation throughout their public speeches,” the ISW says, adding the Russian delegation includes officials and businessmen.
“The Russian delegation likely aimed to expand cooperation with their Chinese counterparts that will facilitate increased economic ties between Russia and the PRC [People’s Republic of China].”
China has previously signalled concerns its economic relationship with Russia may open it up to sanctions, the ISW says, and Mr Putin “likely intends to head off these concerns as the Russian defence industry grows increasingly reliant on the PRC”.
