Merz urges Xi Jinping to pressure Putin into ending war in Ukraine
Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany (Photo: Getty Images)
Russian leader Vladimir Putin arrived in China for his 25th state visit — just four days after Donald Trump departed the country. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope that Xi Jinping would persuade Putin to end the war against Ukraine, according to a statement from the German chancellor.
What Merz said
Following talks with the Swiss president in Berlin, Merz acknowledged that he does not expect any major changes in the strategic relationship between Russia and China.
However, he expressed hope: “But we naturally associate this visit with the hope that President Xi will also urge President Putin to end this war in Ukraine, which he cannot win.”
What Putin and Xi Jinping will discuss
The talks will take place on May 19–20. The agenda includes bilateral relations and international issues. Russia is seeking to advance the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline via Mongolia to China, which would significantly increase gas supplies in addition to the already operating Power of Siberia 1.
Putin is accompanied by a delegation of ministers and heads of both state-owned and private companies.
What will happen after the summit
Analysts predict that, despite Trump’s visit, Beijing will continue supplying Russia with components for weapons production and supporting its economy. In return, Moscow is expected to share combat experience and methods of countering Western weapons systems.
Against the backdrop of Putin’s visit to Beijing, signals troubling for the Kremlin are emerging. For the first time, members of the State Duma have acknowledged that Russia may not be able to sustain a prolonged war — a Communist Party lawmaker stressed the need to end the conflict as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Putin is reportedly conducting a purge within Shoigu’s inner circle and preparing to promote General Lapin, who is known for battlefield failures.
Separately, Beijing has officially denied reports claiming that Xi said Putin might regret the war. Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Xi, during a meeting with Trump, had for the first time offered an assessment of Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
