Xi Jinping in Russia, Zelensky offers « no guarantee » of his safety

Xi Jinping begins a four-day visit to Russia, while Ukraine warns about the safety of heads of state taking part in the festivities: «We will not offer any guarantees». Xi's visit comes as Moscow shows little sign of moving towards peace in Ukraine, while Kiev has launched a series of drone attacks on the Russian capital.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Russia for a four-day trip to mark Victory Day commemorations. He is also due to hold talks with Vladimir Putin, and the two leaders are expected to sign several cooperation agreements.

Xi's visit comes as Moscow shows little sign of moving towards peace in Ukraine, while Kiev has launched a series of drone attacks on the Russian capital.

In the days leading up to Friday's Victory Day parade, the two presidents will be looking to further strengthen their cooperation, which has intensified since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine accuses President Xi Jinping of sending Chinese citizens to fight for Russia on Ukrainian soil, while it has been announced that a Chinese People's Liberation Army honor guard will take part in Friday's ceremony.

Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning to the 30 or so dignitaries expected by Vladimir Putin, saying: «Our position is very simple for all countries planning to go or already heading to Russia on May 9: we cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They [Russia] are the ones providing security, and therefore, we will not offer any guarantees».

This statement comes, according to The Guardian, as Ukraine has launched a series of drone attacks against Russia, targeting Moscow and causing major disruption at airports in the region, prompting some dignitaries to change their itinerary.

Vladimir Putin had announced a three-day pause in the attacks on Ukraine, from May 8 to 10, to coincide with the celebrations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected this proposal, saying that three days were not enough to start real peace talks. He declared that he did not trust Moscow and said that a ceasefire of at least 30 days would be necessary to start serious talks, failing which Ukraine would not consider any truce.