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This week, Chinese leader Xi Jinping was welcomed in Russia by Vladimir Putin for a state visit, marking their fortieth meeting since Xi came to power in 2012. The meeting comes amid rising tensions in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The two leaders have displayed a strong personal rapport, which has served to strengthen ties between the countries despite hot-button issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. After their declaration of a "no limits" partnership last February, Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, an act that China has maintained neutrality towards by refusing to condemn the invasion and instead supporting Moscow financially by increasing fuel purchases. Traditional allies of Ukraine such as the US have expressed concern over what they believe to be China's one-sided approach to the conflict, further complicating the situation.

Meanwhile, Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of