Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly told US President Donald Trump that Russian leader Vladimir Putin might come to regret his decision to invade Ukraine, according to a new report. The remarks were made during last week's summit in Beijing, just hours before Putin is set to arrive for his own two-day visit.
Xi's Remarks on Putin and Ukraine
The Financial Times reported that Xi made the comment during wide-ranging talks between US and Chinese delegations. Trump suggested that the three leaders should cooperate against the International Criminal Court. One source familiar with the meeting noted that Xi had not previously offered such an assessment of Putin or the war.
Putin's Upcoming Visit to Beijing
Putin is expected to arrive in Beijing later today for a two-day summit with Xi. The Kremlin has expressed "very serious expectations" for the trip, which will focus on developing the "privileged partnership" between Russia and China. Discussions are expected to include the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which could deliver an additional 50 billion cubic metres of gas annually from Russia's Arctic fields via Mongolia to China.
Continued Russian Strikes on Ukraine
Russia launched a massive overnight drone and missile barrage targeting eight regions of Ukraine, wounding more than two dozen civilians, including three children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian forces fired 524 attack drones and 22 ballistic and cruise missiles. The city of Dnipro and the surrounding central region bore the brunt of the attack.
The strikes follow a recent escalation in long-range attacks after a brief ceasefire from 9 to 11 May, which US President Donald Trump had requested but had little impact. There is no sign of a peace deal taking shape despite US diplomatic efforts.
Russian Drone Attack on Chinese Vessel
A Russian drone attacked a Chinese-owned cargo ship heading for a Ukrainian port, according to Reuters. Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said it was unclear why Russian forces launched the attack, calling it a possible "monstrous mistake."
Kyiv Couple Killed in Airstrike
Among the 24 people killed in a Russian airstrike on a Kyiv apartment building was Maryna Homeniuk, a 24-year-old English teacher, and her husband Yurii Orlov. Friends and family paid tribute to Homeniuk, who had hoped to start a family. The strike was part of the largest barrage of the war, according to Ukrainian officials.
NATO Holds Largest Special Forces Exercise
NATO is conducting its largest special forces exercise in Europe, dubbed Trojan Footprint 2026, involving approximately 1,000 US service members and 2,000 SOF personnel from 23 NATO allies and partner nations. The exercise spans multiple Eastern European countries, including Greece and Georgia.
Kyiv Condemns Nuclear Drills in Belarus
Ukraine condemned nuclear weapons drills in Belarus, stating that the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons constitutes an "unprecedented challenge" to global security. The foreign ministry urged Western allies to tighten sanctions against Moscow and Minsk.
