Putin agrees to visit China in first trip since ICC arrest warrant
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on his first overseas trip since an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes was issued by the International Criminal Court.
Sources familiar with the matter, who preferred to remain anonymous due to its sensitive nature, have disclosed that the Kremlin is organizing Putin's visit to China in preparation for the upcoming Belt and Road Forum in October.
One of the insiders revealed that Putin has graciously accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in this significant event. This visit marks a continuation of the increasingly close relationship between Russia and China, particularly since the start of last year when Western-Russian relations were deteriorating amid Putin's military actions in Ukraine.
Putin's last visit to Beijing occurred just before the commencement of the Ukraine conflict, which Russia has labeled a 'special military operation.' During that visit, Putin and President Xi Jinping announced an expansive partnership with "no limits,' encompassing economic, trade, political, and military cooperation. This partnership has since solidified into a crucial alliance between the two nations.