Putin assured that he will inform Xi in detail about the "situation in Ukraine" and stated that his country "is grateful for the initiative of the Chinese colleagues and friends to resolve the situation".

"China hopes that Europe will quickly return to peace and stability and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard," Xi pointed out.

The two leaders signed a joint declaration on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, after a closed-door meeting.

Xi stated that China and Russia will continue to maintain a relationship that does not constitute an alliance, but that denies confrontation.

Beijing, which has deepened ties with Moscow since the beginning of the conflict, called for an international conference "recognized by both Russia and Ukraine", to resume dialogue.

The first point of the Chinese plan highlighted the importance of "respecting the sovereignty of all countries", in reference to Ukraine. "Universally recognized international law, including the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, must be strictly observed", reads the proposal.

But the Chinese government also called for an end to the "Cold War mentality" -- a term often used by Beijing to criticize the foreign policy of the United States.

"The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs", reads an implicit criticism of NATO's enlargement. "The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and treated adequately".

Xi stated that the two countries are deepening their relations as "good neighbors, good friends, good partners", echoing their commitment to the "limitless" friendship they proclaimed in 2022, shortly before Russia launched the invasion.

Beijing is now the largest market for Russian oil and gas and a major source of imports, including dual-use civil and military goods, which keep the Russian military machine operational, despite the fact that China has banned the sale of weapons to its neighbor.

Cited by the Russian state news agency RIA-Novosti, Putin stated that Russia-China relations "are not directed against anyone".

"Our cooperation in world affairs is today one of the main factors of stabilization of the international scenario", he emphasized.

On the eve of the visit, Putin stated, in an interview with the official Chinese press, that the Kremlin wants to negotiate a solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

"We are open to a dialogue about Ukraine, but these negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict", he stated.

The Russian leader's trip takes place at a time when his country's forces have been intensifying an offensive in the Kharkiv region, in northeastern Ukraine, which began last week, in the most significant border incursion since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Together with Moscow's efforts to take advantage of its gains in the neighboring Donetsk region, the two-year war has entered a critical phase for the Ukrainian armed forces, which are awaiting new supplies of anti-aircraft missiles and artillery shells from the United States.

"We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and fair solution to this conflict", stated Putin, cited by Xinhua.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the negotiations should include the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, the creation of a court to try those responsible for the aggression and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Leia Também: Xi e Putin de acordo sobre soluções para conflitos na Ucrânia e Palestina (Portuguese version)