Xi holds talks in Moscow while US is skeptical about any ceasefire proposal. Here’s the latest news

Chinese language chief Xi Jinping started a three-day go to to Moscow on Monday, his first since President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Talks between the 2 leaders lasted greater than 4 hours and the leaders are anticipated to proceed extra formal conferences Tuesday.

Listed below are the most recent headlines:

Moscow assembly: Throughout the assembly, Xi advised Putin that China and Russia have “related targets” and he expressed assist for Putin to be reelected. US officers, for his or her half, have been paying shut consideration to the talks. John Kirby, the Nationwide Safety Council communications coordinator, mentioned the US stays involved that Xi would reiterate requires a ceasefire in Ukraine that will solely profit Moscow by permitting Russian forces to stay inside Ukrainian territory.

Tanks delivered: Norway delivered eight Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, the Norwegian Armed Forces introduced. Coaching for Ukrainian troopers on the tanks is underway in Poland. Final month, Norway introduced its determination to ship the German-manufactured tanks, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre noting “a number of allied international locations have additionally carried out the identical.” Originally of February, the Norwegian authorities additionally introduced it had determined to order 54 German Leopard 2 tanks to strengthen its personal protection capabilities which have been anticipated to be delivered in 2026.

Ammunition and help for Ukraine: Eighteen European nations have agreed to collectively procure ammunition to “help Ukraine and replenish nationwide stockpiles,” the European Defence Company mentioned in a information launch on Monday. The Biden administration additionally licensed a further $350 million in safety help, Secretary of State Antony Blinken introduced. The Presidential Drawdown consists of “extra ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers that Ukraine is utilizing to defend itself, in addition to ammunition for Bradley Infantry Preventing Autos, HARM missiles, anti-tank weapons, riverine boats, and different gear,” Blinken mentioned in a press release.

For perspective: The US has dedicated greater than $32 billion in Presidential Drawdown funds to assist Ukraine since Russia’s invasion started a couple of 12 months in the past.

Newest on Bakhmut: The chief of Russia’s Wagner personal army group Yevgeny Prigozhin mentioned Monday in an open letter to the Russian protection minister that the mercenary pressure controls round 70% of Bakhmut. A months-long battle continues within the japanese metropolis and earlier this month, Prigozhin acknowledged that the scenario was “tough, very tough, with the enemy preventing one another for every meter.”

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