Putin Expected to Visit China in First Half of 2026, Says Lavrov
Sergey Lavrov accused the United States and Europe of promoting the creation of a new military bloc with Ukraine as a leading participant, warning that such moves risk further escalating global tensions. Speaking at a press conference following an official visit to China, Lavrov also cautioned European nations that abandoning Russian energy supplies would only shift their dependence to other external partners.
The Russian diplomat emphasized the growing strategic alignment between Russia and China, describing bilateral ties as “unshakable amid any storms.” He noted that crises in various regions, which Moscow attributes to Western actions, are directly influencing the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
Lavrov further revealed that President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China in the first half of 2026, with preparations for the trip already underway. He added that both countries possess the necessary capabilities to avoid dependence on what he described as “aggressive US ventures” aimed at destabilizing global energy markets, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
