Chinese leader Xi Jinping meets Vladamir Putin in Moscow

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Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping gorged themselves on venison, quail, sturgeon soup and pavlova at a lavish banquet to mark the Chinese President’s state visit to Moscow. The pair tucked in after one-to-one talks centred on Russia’s war on Ukraine, which Beijing has consistently refused to condemn in the year since Putin launched his invasion on February 24, 2022.

In footage of their meeting, the Russian President appeared ill-at-ease and fidgety – but it did not appear to have affected his appetite, going by a widely circulated picture purportedly showing the menu, which offered a breakdown of the courses making up their feast.

The meal began with blini – an eastern European pancake consisting of buckwheat – which was filled with quail and mushrooms.

The second course consisted of a starlet sturgeon soup, followed by a pomegranate sorbet.

They were then presented with nelma, an Arctic fish, with vegetables, plus venison with cherry sauce.

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They finished off with a dessert of pavlova.

The food was accompanied by a selection of wines from Russia’s southern Krasodar region, where Putin is believed to have a palace.

Xi’s visit comes days after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest over his alleged involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children.

Moscow has branded the move one of a number of “clearly hostile displays” and has itself opened a criminal case against both ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, a British lawyer, and judges. Beijing meanwhile has accused the ICC of “double standards”.

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During the course of their conversation, during which each leader referred to the other as “dear friend, Putin said: “In recent years, China has made a tremendous leap forward in its development.

“It arouses genuine interest all over the world, and even we envy you a little.”

Xi in turn said he was “convinced” his counterpart enjoyed the support of the Russian people, adding: “I know Russia will hold a presidential election.

“Under your strong leadership, Russia has made great strides in its prosperous development.

“I am confident that the Russian people will continue to give you their firm support.”

Xi is expected to present his proposals for ending the war in Ukraine today.

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