Russian and Chinese Leader Meet in Kremlin

RUSSIA – Russia’s Vladimir Putin hosting China’s Xi Jinping to dinner at the Kremlin on Monday, showing off his relationship with his most powerful ally, just days after an international court called for his arrest for war crimes in Ukraine.

Washington denounced Xi’s visit, saying the timing showed Beijing was providing Moscow with “diplomatic cover” to commit further crimes.

Putin told Xi he viewed china’s proposals for a resolution of the Ukraine conflict with respect.

Xi praised Putin and predicted Russians would re-elect him next year.

Washington has said in recent weeks it fears china might provide Russia with weapons.