Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to station nuclear weapons in Belarus, claiming it is a humiliation to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He pointed out that the stationing comes after the statement from both Russia and China that opposed stationing nuclear weapons abroad. This marks the first time since the Soviet Union's collapse that Russia has made this type of announcement. The tension is heightened for Beijing as President Lukashenko of Belarus just concluded a state visit to China to discuss the war in Ukraine. Analysts believe that Beijing will be greatly disappointed and that Putin may have jeopardized his relationship with China. Although China has not criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has provided vital diplomatic support, the Summit last week indicated that the balance has tipped in China's favor, allowing Xi to offer little support while securing access to Russia's economy. Amid punishing sanctions, China has provided the Russian economy with a lifeline. Putin accused the UK of arming Ukraine with depleted uranium rounds and called it a nuclear opponent.