Relations between Russia and China are better than ever.
That was President Putin’s message to the outside world after a friendly video call with China’s Xi Jinping on Thursday. The meeting began with world leaders waving to each other and ended with a Russian desire to strengthen military ties.
Economic relations have already strengthened during the year, as trade between the countries has increased by 32 percent since January.
– We share a view of the cause, direction and logic behind the new geopolitical landscape, Putin said.
Ukraine fears more attacks before the end of the year
Just hours before the two leaders linked up against each other, new Russian drone attacks had been directed at Ukrainian targets.
According to the Ukrainian military, all the drones were shot down with only minor injuries.
But the past week has been described as one of the toughest yet for the Ukrainians and more attacks are feared before the end of the year.
At the same time, the Ukrainian attempts to recapture the strategically important city of Kremmina in eastern Ukraine continue.
In the player above: Watch an excerpt from the video call and an update on the war in Ukraine.