Putin's visit follows Russia's economic dependence on China due to international sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago.

Putin expressed a willingness to negotiate over Ukraine in an interview with Chinese media, but only if all parties' interests are considered.

Putin's visit comes as Russian forces have intensified their offensive in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, causing nearly 8,000 people to flee their homes.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Donetsk region has reached a critical point for Ukraine's military, which is in need of new supplies of anti-aircraft missiles and artillery shells from the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to negotiate a peaceful settlement to the conflict through diplomatic means, but only if the interests of all parties involved are considered.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined his conditions for negotiations, which include the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

China has taken a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict but has supported Russia's claims that the West provoked the attack.

Russia's President Putin has accused the West of failing to negotiate in good faith and has praised China's peace plan for Ukraine.

The Chinese proposal, which was rejected by Ukraine and the West, could potentially provide a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict, according to Putin.

The plan aims to prevent further escalation of tensions and minimize the negative impact on the global economy.

Putin has expressed hope that this proposal could address Russia's security concerns and contribute to a long-term and sustainable peace.

Putin and Xi Jinping, the leaders of Russia and China, will hold talks this week to discuss ways to deepen their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.

The visit comes as both countries aim to challenge the US-led Western democratic order and promote more authoritarian models.

Putin began his fifth term in office this month, and Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, stated that Moscow and Beijing share an interest in leading a fairer and more democratic world order.

Russia and China are working together to challenge the current international system and establish a multipolar global order.

Their partnership plays a significant role in global affairs, with Moscow relying on China for energy exports and high-tech components due to Western sanctions.

Military ties have also strengthened, with joint war games and military drills in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and on each other's territory.

Russia is a significant supplier of military technology to China, while China continues to grow its own defensive industries.

Notable Chinese military projects include the development of aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines.

Russia has shared highly sensitive military technologies with China, including an early warning system for ballistic missile launches, which involves ground-based radar and satellites, a technology only Russia and the US previously possessed.