Xi Jinping does not want to fight with West, but is not ready to give up Putin - Ukraine’s diplomat

This opinion was expressed by the diplomat, Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2014-2019, Pavlo Klimkin on the Espreso TV channel.

"As for Putin, I don't see any fear in him, but I don't see any fundamental confidence. The meeting with the Chinese leader was critically important for Putin. He is offering his services or a joint strategy to deplete the West, the so-called "anti-Western coalition." Putin wants to win what he sees as a "war" against the United States. But Xi Jinping does not want to fight the West. He wants China's opinion to be taken into account in any decisions that are made," Klimkin said.

He noted that the main logic of the meeting between the leaders is to confront the West and possibly cooperate in nuclear and other areas.

"I think that Xi Jinping needs Putin here, and the Chinese leader cannot and does not want to give him up," the diplomat said.

During the meeting, Putin spoke about a bilateral program until 2030. However, the largest project still failed, Klimkin noted.

"This concerns the Power of Siberia gas pipeline, Russia needs to do something with gas. But as I understand it, in the context of discounts and optimal conditions, the Chinese are "twisting hands" of Russia. I think they will be 100% successful here," Pavlo Klimkin emphasized.

So, it is unlikely that Putin achieved what he wanted. Although it was clear that he was at least not disappointed with the meeting. Therefore, there is rather a certain essence and emotional draw, Klimkin added.

• On Tuesday, October 17, Putin arrived in Beijing. He participated in the Belt and Road Forum. There, the Russian president took part in an official meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan.
• Ukraine's Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry stated that the Russian president's visit to China could pose certain risks to Ukraine. However, Ukrainian intelligence is closely monitoring the situation.