Xi Jinping will persuade Putin to stop active phase of hostilities – political expert Klochok

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"I believe that one of the most important issues will be the discussion of how to implement China's 'peace plan'. In any case, to promote this plan, Russia must take some action. The question arises: What will Xi Jinping offer and demand from Putin in this context? But the fact that there will be demands is more than obvious. Because it looks strange that there will be a one-on-one conversation first, and then the formalization of these agreements is scheduled for the afternoon of the next day. That is, they leave Putin and Xi Jinping the whole day for personal negotiations, which may last several hours or even all night," said the political analyst

Valeriy Klochok noted that the number one issue, as Putin and Xi Jinping like to say and emphasize in their articles, is the "Ukrainian crisis."

"It's important to note that the US has talked about the danger of China and Russia coming closer together, but today this rapprochement is not happening as equal powers, but is dominated by China. Therefore, Beijing will demand dominance not only in the economic sphere but also in the security field, and Russia's war with Ukraine is one of them. China needs time to realize its plans in confronting the United States. China wants to dominate the Eurasian continent, and with the help of Russia, it can do so. But again, China needs time. Therefore, I tend to believe that Xi Jinping will persuade Putin to stop the active phase of hostilities. In my opinion, they will discuss a specific plan, even on a map and in a time frame, of what Putin can do in Ukraine: withdraw troops, give territories under the jurisdiction of Ukraine," the political expert suggested.

Klochok emphasized an important point that needs to be taken into account – that Putin significantly raised the stakes in his talks with Xi by traveling to Crimea and Mariupol the day before.

• On March 20, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have met in Moscow