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From CNN’s Nathan Hodge in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday, and experts say Putin is hoping to secure a deal for advanced weapons technology from China.
However, analysts warn that Putin may be disappointed, as China has been developing its own advanced military technology and may not be willing to share it with Russia.
China’s military modernization
China has been rapidly modernizing its military in recent years, investing heavily in advanced technology such as hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, and aircraft carriers.
Experts say China’s military modernization is aimed at challenging US military dominance in the Asia-Pacific region and projecting power globally.
Russia’s military dependence on China
Russia has been increasingly dependent on China for military technology, as Western sanctions have limited Russia’s access to advanced Western technology.
However, analysts say China may be reluctant to share its most advanced military technology with Russia, as it sees Russia as a competitor in the global arms market.
The future of Russia-China military cooperation
Despite these challenges, experts say Russia and China are likely to continue their military cooperation, as both countries share a common interest in challenging US military dominance and promoting a multipolar world order.
However, analysts say Russia may need to develop its own advanced military technology if it wants to maintain its status as a major military power.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has pledged to work towards extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which guarantees safe passage for ships carrying vital grain exports from Ukraine. The deal was set to expire today, but an extension has been agreed upon that will allow shipments to continue for at least 60 days. Russia has agreed to the extension, which was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, as a goodwill gesture. However, the UN has emphasized that the deal states it would be extended for 120 days rather than 60. Çavuşoğlu has stated that Turkey will continue its efforts to maintain the agreement after the two-month period.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Russia’s Wagner private military group, has announced plans to recruit about 30,000 new fighters by mid-May. Wagner has been recruiting about 500 to 800 people on average each day, and sometimes up to 1,200 per day. Wagner has focused its attention on recruiting mercenaries from sports clubs, boxing gyms, and other gyms, as well as men who have previously completed six-month contracts and could be rehired. Wagner has also recruited a small number of foreign fighters. The prison recruitment campaign was well-publicized and widespread, netting as many as 40,000 fighters for Wagner last year. However, many of the private military group’s recruits are believed to have been killed or wounded in heavy fighting around the eastern city of Bakhmut.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday, and experts say Putin is hoping to secure a deal for advanced weapons technology from China. However, analysts warn that Putin may be disappointed, as China has been developing its own advanced military technology and may not be willing to share it with Russia. China has been rapidly modernizing its military in recent years, investing heavily in advanced technology such as hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, and aircraft carriers. Experts say China’s military modernization is aimed at challenging US military dominance in the Asia-Pacific region and projecting power globally. Russia has been increasingly dependent on China for military technology, as Western sanctions have limited Russia’s access to advanced Western technology. However, analysts say China may be reluctant to share its most advanced military technology with Russia, as it sees Russia as a competitor in the global arms market. Despite these challenges, experts say Russia and China are likely to continue their military cooperation, as both countries share a common interest in challenging US military dominance and promoting a multipolar world order. However, analysts say Russia may need to develop its own advanced military technology if it wants to maintain its status as a major military power.
Putin Invites China’s Xi Jinping for State Visit to Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited his “best friend,” China’s leader Xi Jinping, for a three-day state visit to Moscow beginning Monday. This high-profile trip marks Xi’s first state visit to any country since being appointed to an unprecedented third term in office. Kremlin officials say the two leaders will be signing “important documents” that will “deepen relations” and solidify economic cooperation. However, for both men, this trip is much more than just another chapter in what they both describe as a “no limits” friendship.
What’s at Stake for Putin?
For Putin, this visit is a welcome show of support from his biggest ally after a year of military failure to attain his goal of “de-Nazifying and de-militarizing” Ukraine. Putin’s army is burning through military hardware, ammunition, and men. He has reached out to North Korea and Iran for weapons and drones, but getting more weapons, ammunition, and perhaps drones from China would be a major victory for the Russian president. However, that could be a hard sell.
What’s at Stake for Xi?
For Xi, this trip is a chance to show China’s growing global influence and to strengthen ties with Russia. The two countries have been working together more closely in recent years, particularly in the areas of energy and defense. China is also interested in Russia’s Arctic resources and its potential as a transit hub for Chinese goods to Europe.
What to Expect from the Visit?
There will be plenty of glad-handing, champagne toasts, and a major press conference during the visit. Behind closed doors, serious discussions will take place, and important documents will be signed. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in Syria, and the North Korean nuclear crisis. They will also discuss ways to deepen economic cooperation and increase trade between their countries.
Conclusion
The state visit of China’s leader Xi Jinping to Moscow is a significant event for both Russia and China. It marks a strengthening of ties between the two countries and a chance for them to show their growing global influence. For Putin, it is an opportunity to gain more support for his military campaign in Ukraine, while for Xi, it is a chance to strengthen economic and political ties with Russia. The visit is sure to be closely watched by the international community, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications for global politics and economics.
Putin signed a law amending the criminal code about spreading “fakes” in relation to the Russian armed forces, extending it to also apply to volunteers and mercenaries, with the maximum punishment up to 15 years in prison. Putin also signed a law that prohibits discrediting participants in the so-called “special operation” — Russia’s euphemism for the full-scale invasion — including volunteers, according to the decree published on the country’s official portal of legal information. Violations of that law carry a punishment of up to seven years in prison.
Wagner fighters have been heavily involved in taking the town of Soledar, which is a few miles northeast of Bakhmut, and areas around it. The private military contractor is run by oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has been highly visible on the front lines in recent weeks – and quick to claim credit for Russian advances.
FLD Magazine: NATO Allies Unlikely to Send More Advanced Jets to Ukraine
In a significant escalation of military support to Ukraine from a NATO member since the Russian invasion, Polish President Andrzej Duda became the first leader from the security alliance to pledge fighter jets to Kyiv. However, NATO allies are unlikely to send more advanced jets to Ukraine, and here’s why.
Duda announced that four MiG-29 fighters will be handed over to Ukraine in the coming days, and the rest are being serviced and will likely be handed over successively. The US has so far resisted calls to provide F-16s to Ukraine on the grounds of avoiding escalation with Russia, as well as impracticality.
The desire to avoid a cataclysmic spill-over of the conflict was front of mind this week after the downing of a $32 million US Reaper drone over the Black Sea by a Russian jet – the first time Russian and American aircraft have come into direct contact since the war began. The potentially incendiary incident was seized on by Russia as proof of direct American involvement in the conflict.
Still, the shift from resistance to delivery has happened before; the US came around to supplying Ukraine with M1 Abrams tanks after Germany reversed their own policy on Leopard II tanks. But the impracticality argument is not a mere political fig leaf. The Ukrainian Air Force already operates MiG jets, so they will be able to use them as soon as they arrive, whereas it would take months to train a MiG-29 pilot to a high level of comfort and efficacy on an F-16. Not to mention that Ukrainian pilots are in short supply.
Analysis: NATO Allies Unlikely to Send More Advanced Jets to Ukraine – Here’s Why
NATO allies are unlikely to send more advanced jets to Ukraine, despite the significant escalation of military support from a NATO member since the Russian invasion. Polish President Andrzej Duda became the first leader from the security alliance to pledge fighter jets to Kyiv, but the US has so far resisted calls to provide F-16s to Ukraine on the grounds of avoiding escalation with Russia, as well as impracticality.
The desire to avoid a cataclysmic spill-over of the conflict was front of mind this week after the downing of a $32 million US Reaper drone over the Black Sea by a Russian jet – the first time Russian and American aircraft have come into direct contact since the war began. The potentially incendiary incident was seized on by Russia as proof of direct American involvement in the conflict.
Still, the shift from resistance to delivery has happened before; the US came around to supplying Ukraine with M1 Abrams tanks after Germany reversed their own policy on Leopard II tanks. But the impracticality argument is not a mere political fig leaf. The Ukrainian Air Force already operates MiG jets, so they will be able to use them as soon as they arrive, whereas it would take months to train a MiG-29 pilot to a high level of comfort and efficacy on an F-16. Not to mention that Ukrainian pilots are in short supply.
Conclusion
NATO allies are unlikely to send more advanced jets to Ukraine, despite the significant escalation of military support from a NATO member since the Russian invasion. The US has so far resisted calls to provide F-16s to Ukraine on the grounds of avoiding escalation with Russia, as well as impracticality. The Ukrainian Air Force already operates MiG jets, so they will be able to use them as soon as they arrive, whereas it would take months to train a MiG-29 pilot to a high level of comfort and efficacy on an F-16. Not to mention that Ukrainian pilots are in short supply.- Article:
US President Joe Biden has expressed his support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ICC has accused Putin of committing war crimes during Russia’s war in Ukraine, including an alleged scheme to deport Ukrainian children to Russia. Despite Russia’s refusal to recognize the ICC’s authority, Biden believes that the arrest warrant is justified and sends a strong message.
Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has pointed out that historic trials of seemingly untouchable figures, such as Nazi war criminals, former Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milošević, and former Liberian leader Charles Taylor, have resulted in justice being served. Putin is the first head of state of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to be issued with an arrest warrant, making this a historic move.
While it is highly unlikely that Putin will be handed over to the court’s jurisdiction, accountability for perpetrators of war crimes is crucial. The White House has welcomed this accountability, but has not fully endorsed the ICC’s arrest warrant. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby has declined to say whether Biden would tell law enforcement to arrest Putin if he came to the US, but has stated that Putin traveling to the country is “very, very unlikely.”
If you are just joining us, the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Russian official Maria Lvova-Belova for allegedly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. The Russian government has defended this practice as saving the children, but denies that the deportations are forced. The Kremlin has rejected the arrest warrants as “unacceptable,” arguing that it is not subject to the ICC’s decisions. Putin is unlikely to appear before the court as the ICC does not conduct trials in absentia. Russian officials charged would either have to be handed over or tried in Russia.
FLD Magazine’s team of expert writers and contributors cover everything from startups and entrepreneurship to emerging technologies and global business trends. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and insights by visiting our website.US to Continue Helping Ukraine Document War Crimes Despite Uncertainty of Putin’s Arrest
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday for alleged war crimes, but it remains to be seen whether he will ultimately face justice. Despite this uncertainty, the United States will continue to help Ukraine document Moscow’s misdeeds.
National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told CNN that the US is committed to helping Ukraine document and analyze evidence of war crimes, atrocities, and crimes against humanity that have occurred inside Ukraine at the hands of Russian forces. The US wants to see any perpetrators of war crimes held accountable, but Kirby declined to say if US President Joe Biden would tell law enforcement to arrest Putin if he came to the US.
Russia also does not recognize the ICC, and the court does not conduct trials in absentia, so Putin would either have to be turned over by Moscow or arrested in a foreign country for him to face charges from the court. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said it could still happen, pointing to the trials of former Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milošević and former Liberian leader Charles Taylor.
Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Lvova-Belova, dismissed the ICC’s arrest warrant against her on Friday, saying it was “great” that the international community recognized her work removing children from war zones.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the move, saying Putin “clearly committed war crimes.” The US does not recognize the ICC, but Kirby said the US is “not going to back off our belief that accountability for these war crimes has got to be had, however long that takes.”
It is very unlikely that Putin would travel to the United States, but if he did, it would be up to law enforcement to decide whether to arrest him. Kirby said it would “have to be sovereign decisions those leaders make” if the US were to ask other countries like Israel or India – who also do not recognize the ICC – to arrest the Russian leader.
In conclusion, the US will continue to support Ukraine in documenting and analyzing evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces, despite uncertainty surrounding Putin’s potential arrest. The ICC’s arrest warrant against Putin has been dismissed by Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, but Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan believes it could still happen. The US wants to see any perpetrators of war crimes held accountable, but it remains to be seen whether Putin will face justice.
China’s Support for Russia in the Midst of Ukraine Conflict
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, China’s leader Xi Jinping is set to visit Moscow next week to meet with Putin. This visit is seen as a strong display of Beijing’s support for Moscow, which has been facing increasing criticism from Western leaders.
US Response to China’s Visit
While China’s support for Russia is not surprising, it has raised concerns in the United States. In a recent press briefing, US State Department spokesperson John Kirby stated that the US does not believe that China has taken the option of providing lethal aid to Russia off the table. However, there is no confirmation that China is moving in that direction.
Kirby also emphasized that it is not in anyone’s interest to help Putin continue to harm innocent Ukrainians. The US has been providing non-lethal aid to Ukraine, but has not yet provided lethal aid.
Impact of China’s Visit
China’s visit to Russia is expected to deepen the partnership between the two nations, which has been growing stronger in recent years. This partnership has raised concerns in Western capitals, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate.
As the world watches the situation in Ukraine unfold, it remains to be seen how China’s support for Russia will impact the conflict and the relationships between nations.
CNN’s Nectar Gan and Anna Chernova contributed to this report.
