**Putin and Xi Sign “Peace Statement” Amid Escalating Tensions in Ukraine**
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow to attend the 9 May Victory Day parade, a highly politicized event that has become a display of military power. Alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, they signed a joint statement claiming to support “peace efforts” and emphasizing the need to address the “root causes” of the war.
However, analysts say this statement is nothing more than a smokescreen to justify Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Since the Soviet era, the 9 May WWII Victory Day has been used as an excuse for military parades and displays of patriotic fervor. In recent years, Putin has drawn direct parallels between the WWII struggle and the current war in Ukraine, using the occasion to reinforce nationalist narratives and legitimize state policies.
**A War of Conquest**
Putin’s true intentions have been clear since 2022, when he openly declared that his goal was to “unite the Russian people” by dismantling Ukraine’s military and installing a government loyal to Moscow. The Kremlin’s actions speak louder than words: Russian forces have committed atrocities on a scale not seen in Europe since World War II, including mass shootings of civilians, execution of prisoners of war, and rape.
Despite this, Putin continues to deny Ukraine’s sovereignty and legitimacy. The joint statement with Xi Jinping claims that no country should strengthen its security at the expense of others – a stark contrast to Russia’s actions on Ukrainian soil.
**A Diplomatic Isolation**
As tensions escalate, Russia finds itself increasingly isolated on the international stage. Only two European leaders, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, will attend Moscow’s Victory Day events on 9 May. Vučić arrived in Moscow with a delay due to an air raid alert.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denounced Russia’s plans, saying that the country will try to “whitewash” its atrocities committed during the war. The Russian army continues to commit war crimes on a scale not seen in Europe since World War II.
**A Threatened Kyiv**
As tensions rise, Russia threatens to strike Kyiv with medium-range Oreshnik or Kedr ballistic missiles if Ukraine takes any action. This is a stark reminder of the dangers facing Ukraine and its people.
Only time will tell what the consequences of this statement and the events surrounding it will be. One thing is certain: the international community must hold Russia accountable for its actions and work towards a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
