Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a visit that was openly criticized by Kyiv after Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian capital just hours before Xi’s arrival.

China, the world’s largest importer of Russian oil and gas, is expected to discuss economic cooperation and strategic partnerships with Moscow, amid mounting tensions over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Beijing has repeatedly called for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict but has faced Western criticism over its continued economic ties with Russia.

Details of the talks between Xi and Putin have not been disclosed yet, but analysts anticipate discussions will focus on energy agreements, security issues, and potential diplomatic efforts in the wake of the escalating conflict.

The visit comes as Moscow experienced a new wave of drone strikes, which the Russian Defense Ministry attributed to Ukrainian forces, further straining relations between the two nations.