Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he was expecting Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a state visit to Russia in spring 2023, in what would be a public show of solidarity from Beijing amid Russia’s flailing military campaign in Ukraine. 

In introductory remarks from a video conference between the two leaders broadcast on state television, Putin said, “We are expecting you, dear Mr Chairman, dear friend, we are expecting you next spring on a state visit to Moscow.” He said the visit would “demonstrate to the world the closeness of Russian-Chinese relations”.