Putin, Xi Meet in Kyrgyzstan, Kremlin Downplays Ukraine Talk

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, according to the Kremlin, which said the war in Ukraine was discussed only "in passing" during the talks. The meeting comes as Moscow and Beijing continue to deepen cooperation across a broad range of political, economic and strategic areas, the Kremlin said. The low-key characterization of the Ukraine discussion suggests both leaders are seeking to project unity on other fronts while avoiding fresh commitments tied to the ongoing conflict. The growing Russia-China alignment continues to draw scrutiny from Western officials wary of an expanding axis between the two powers as the war grinds on and Western sanctions on Moscow persist.