Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone today, discussing tensions that emerged during the recent G7 summit in Canada and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the Kremlin announced. The G7 leaders failed to present a united front, particularly on Ukraine, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated support for Putin and his early departure to address the Israeli-Iranian conflict from Washington.
This meant Trump did not meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had intended to request more U.S. weaponry.
G7 Disunity and Zelensky’s Trip
Putin’s advisor, Yury Ushakov, informed reporters that Putin and Xi “discussed the results of the recent G7 meeting in Canada. They particularly highlighted the well-known disagreements that emerged among the participants.”
“And, by the way, it was mentioned that for Zelensky, this was by no means the most successful foreign trip,” Ushakov added, according to Reuters.
Condemnation of Israel and Call for De-escalation
The two leaders also condemned Israel for its strikes on Iran and agreed that de-escalation is essential.
Putin and Xi “strongly condemn Israel’s actions, which violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law,” Ushakov stated.
“Both Moscow and Beijing fundamentally believe that there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to the Iranian nuclear program. This solution must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means,” he emphasized.
Without directly mentioning the U.S., Xi said during the call that “major countries” with “special influence” in the region should step up diplomatic efforts to calm the situation, according to a statement reported by China’s Xinhua news agency.
“The warring parties, especially Israel, should cease attacks as soon as possible to prevent escalation and the spillover of the war,” Xi said. He called for efforts to protect civilians, urging Israel and Iran to facilitate the evacuation of citizens from other countries.
Russia has warned of catastrophe if the seven-day Israeli-Iranian conflict escalates further and has called on the U.S. not to join Israel’s bombing campaign.
Mediation Efforts and Bilateral Ties
Putin has been in contact with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in recent days, repeatedly stating that Russia is ready to mediate between the warring parties. So far, no one has accepted Russia’s offer.
Beijing has long supported Tehran as part of efforts to deepen its strategic and economic influence in the Middle East. By providing financial assistance to Iran amidst U.S. sanctions, China reportedly purchases up to 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, according to analysts.
The Kremlin also stated that during the approximately hour-long phone conversation, Xi and Putin discussed bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS group. The BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in Brazil next month.
TASS reported that during the conversation, they noted that economic cooperation between the two countries continues to gain momentum. “Despite certain negative external factors, it was observed that cooperation in the trade and economic sphere is accelerating. Last year, trade turnover once again reached a record high, approaching $245 billion,” Ushakov stated.
