Putin keeps Xi in loop on Trump summit but little hope for Ukraine ceasefire

They cautioned that although Trump’s first in-person encounter in his second term with Putin could lead to a temporary US-Russia detente, it was unlikely to produce a lasting Ukraine peace agreement or shift the broader strategic balance.

According to the official Chinese statement about the call, Xi endorsed the US-Russia dialogue, and Putin, who initiated the conversation, briefed the Chinese leader on his communications with the Trump administration.

“China welcomes continued contact between Russia and the US, supports efforts to improve bilateral relations, and hopes to see progress in the political resolution of the Ukraine crisis,” the Chinese leader was quoted as saying.

The Kremlin said much the same, saying on Friday that Putin informed Xi about the results of his meeting earlier this week with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff

and Xi “expressed support for the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis on a long-term basis”.