Ece Göksedef
Live reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This visit sends an important message to the world that the Chinese leader is still an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The pair are expected to work on a wide range of agreements for stronger co-operation at a time when Russia is struggling with international sanctions.

It's just days since international prosecutors accused the President Putin of war crimes, it also comes amid US claims that China is preparing to provide lethal weapons to Russia - something China denies.

China recently proposed a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia to end the sanctions on Moscow and to provide safe passage for humanitarian help.

But the proposal only foresees “to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries” and does not mention a possible Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said he wanted to believe that China wouldn’t provide heavy weapons to Russia and has asked to speak to Xi.

Before answering Zelensky’s calls, Xi is in Moscow. That seems like a very clear message for now.

Stephen McDonell
Reporting from Beijing

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have had newspaper articles published in one another’s countries ahead of their meeting.

Both articles mention the war in Ukraine and both speak about a negotiated settlement – however they’re short on specific measures.

Xi Jinping's piece, published in Russia, said a deal needed to take into account “the legitimate concerns of all parties” and that a “results oriented dialogue” was required to solve the crisis.

In the People’s Daily, Vladimir Putin wrote that “the collective West” is “losing its dominance”.

He said his country was open to a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine if others will engage in serious dialogue.

That the war has been referred to in these articles would appear to show it will also be front and centre during their talks over the next two days.

Sam Hancock
Live reporter

Hello and thanks for joining us as we await Xi Jinping’s arrival in Moscow, where China’s leader will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin and Beijing’s foreign ministry have said very little about the trip, other than that the pair will discuss a "comprehensive partnership and strategic co-operation". And that Xi will be in the Russian capital from today until Wednesday.

Amid the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, it’s safe to say this is a pretty big moment on the world stage - especially since last week finished with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Putin. The court alleges he is responsible for war crimes, and has focused its claims on the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia.

There have been reports suggesting Xi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will speak by phone after Xi’s visit to Moscow - his first since the war began - but this is yet to be confirmed.

I’ve got a team of writers here in London, ready to bring you all the latest developments as they unfold, and we’ll get analysis throughout the day from our correspondents on the ground in Russia, China and Ukraine. Stay tuned.