China's Xi Visits Moscow as Alliance with Russia Grows; Putin's Trip to Mariupol Angers Kyiv

China's President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Friday for a three-day visit, during which he is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The visit comes amid growing ties between the two countries, with China and Russia forging a close alliance that is increasingly concerning to Western powers.

While the visit is being hailed as a sign of the two countries' growing partnership, it has also been met with criticism from some quarters. Ukraine's government, in particular, has expressed anger at Putin's recent trip to the city of Mariupol, which is located in the country's war-torn east.

The visit by Putin, which took place on Monday, was seen by many as a provocation, coming just days after Russia had amassed thousands of troops along its border with Ukraine. The move sparked fears of a new outbreak of fighting in the conflict, which has been ongoing since 2014.

In response, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Putin's visit as "cynical" and "a challenge to the civilized world." He also accused Russia of "escalating tensions" in the region and called on Western powers to provide more support to his country.

The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with fighting continuing in some areas despite a ceasefire agreement that was signed in 2015. The conflict began after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, and has since claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Meanwhile, China's growing alliance with Russia is seen by some as a counterbalance to the influence of Western powers, particularly the United States. The two countries have been working together on a number of issues, including military cooperation and economic development.

Xi's visit to Moscow is expected to focus on strengthening ties between China and Russia, with the two leaders set to discuss a range of issues, including trade, energy, and technology. The visit is also seen as a signal of China's willingness to play a greater role on the global stage, at a time when Western powers are increasingly divided and inward-looking.

As tensions continue to simmer in Ukraine, and China and Russia grow ever closer, the world is watching with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the future direction of these complex and interrelated issues.