Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on May 7 for talks with President Vladimir Putin, a visit that Kyiv strongly opposes, coming shortly after Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian capital. Xi, whose country is the largest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and has supported Moscow economically amid Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, landed at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport just after Russian forces reported downing another Ukrainian drone near the city. This was the third consecutive day of Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, with one of the city's major airports suspending operations briefly before Xi's arrival.

When asked about the attacks, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson did not directly address Xi's visit, emphasizing that de-escalation was the priority. The Kremlin condemned the Ukrainian strikes, labeling them as "terrorist acts" and assured that security measures were in place for the World War II commemorations Xi is set to attend.

On the same day, Ukrainian officials reported a Russian airstrike on Kyiv, which killed a mother and son, though Russia insists its attacks target military sites. Xi's visit provides a diplomatic boost to Putin, highlighting Russia's ties with China as a counter to its international isolation. The Kremlin has emphasized that Xi's presence, alongside other world leaders, signifies Russia’s growing global influence. However, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry urged countries not to send military representatives to the May 9 Victory Day parade, viewing such participation as conflicting with neutrality in the war.

Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stated that Russian air defenses had intercepted at least 14 Ukrainian drones overnight, with additional drones brought down during the day. Xi has repeatedly called for dialogue to end the war in Ukraine and has blamed the US for exacerbating the conflict by supplying arms to Kyiv. He is scheduled for talks with Putin on Thursday and will join other global leaders at the May 9 parade. Xi's visit also comes as US President Donald Trump is seeking to mediate peace efforts, though progress has stalled with both sides blaming each other.

Amid ongoing tensions with the US, Xi is expected to sign agreements deepening China's strategic partnership with Russia, which remains its largest trading partner. Both Xi and Putin continue to challenge US global dominance, advocating for a more multipolar world order. In an article published by Russian media, Xi emphasized the need for China and Russia to protect the post-war international order and resist efforts to undermine their friendship and trust.