As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his heavily choreographed May 9 “Victory Day” military parade, he’s been clear who’s at the top of his guest list: Xi Jinping.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow. They made a number of statements, exchanging complimentary remarks. What Putin and Xi Jinping have said to each other - read in the RBC-Ukraine report below.

The Russian president applauded China and Russia's partnership and called "the combat brotherhood" of the two nations a key pillar to its strategic cooperation, as Moscow's all-out war in Ukraine continues.