Russian President Vladimir Putin is beginning a new phase of war against Ukraine after a visit to China, where he met with Xi Jinping, The Times reports.
This Sunday, another Russian attack hit a government building in Kiev, the first such incident in more than three years of full-scale war. Hardliners are calling on the Kremlin to attack "decision-making centers" in Ukraine. Putin himself has spoken of such intentions.
Although it remains unclear whether the cabinet building was hit directly by a missile, drone or their debris, this fact can be seen as a symbol of a new stage in the war.
Putin's characteristic self-confidence has increased significantly since his return from Beijing, where he stated that Russia's relations with China are at an "unprecedentedly high level."
The publication notes that unlike North Korea, China has not sent its troops to war. However, Beijing has supported Moscow diplomatically and has not obeyed Western sanctions against Russia. And last week, the Kremlin announced a preliminary agreement with China to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.
Unlike the early months of President Trump's second term, the Kremlin is not even pretending to be interested in a peace agreement.
In Beijing, Putin, accompanied by Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, watched a large-scale military parade. And this is the first time the leaders of these three countries have come together since the beginning of the Cold War.