Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held informal talks in Moscow on Monday, discussing topics such as the war in Ukraine and the strengthening of ties between the two countries. Xi invited Putin to visit China later this year, and the two leaders will hold a second round of talks in the afternoon, followed by a ceremony for signing joint agreements and a state dinner. The visit has been met with skepticism from Western allies, but is seen as an important step in strengthening ties between China and Russia.