Kremlin Says Not Surprised by West’s ‘Hostile’ Reaction to Putin-Xi Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Counterpart Xi Jinping  - EPA
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Counterpart Xi Jinping - EPA
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Kremlin Says Not Surprised by West’s ‘Hostile’ Reaction to Putin-Xi Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Counterpart Xi Jinping  - EPA
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Counterpart Xi Jinping - EPA

The Kremlin stressed Wednesday that it was not surprised by the West's 'hostile' reaction to the Russia-China summit, during which Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping reaffirmed their alliance amid the war in Ukraine.

"As for the reaction of the collective West, the fact that on all issues this reaction took on an unfriendly and hostile nature is not news to anyone," said Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

The Chinese President has left Russia, wrapping up a three-day visit during which he and Putin signed a series of agreements on "strategic cooperation" between Beijing and Moscow.

Talks between the two leaders focused on Ukraine, as well as energy and trade issues.

Putin further welcomed China’s proposal for peace in Ukraine, which was criticized by the West.



Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Has Secured Three Patriot Systems, Looking to Finance Seven More

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the parliament session in Kyiv, Ukraine Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP) 
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the parliament session in Kyiv, Ukraine Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP) 
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Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Has Secured Three Patriot Systems, Looking to Finance Seven More

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the parliament session in Kyiv, Ukraine Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP) 
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the parliament session in Kyiv, Ukraine Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP) 

Ukraine has received confirmation from partners that they will provide three Patriot missile defense systems and discussions are underway to obtain seven more, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday.

"I have officially received confirmation from Germany for two systems, and from Norway for one. We are currently working with Dutch partners," he told reporters.

President Donald Trump announced earlier this month that billions of dollars of US weapons would go to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles. This set off negotiations around which partners could contribute to the weapons purchasing scheme -- a process that will determine the support Ukraine receives, Reuters said.

The Patriot systems have proven effective at destroying Russian ballistic missiles aimed at Ukraine's cities.

In addition to securing air defense supplies, Ukraine needs to cover a financing gap of $40 billion next year, Zelenskiy said in remarks released by his office.

An additional $25 billion will be needed for missiles, drones and electronic warfare systems production, he added.