West must accept strong Russia-China ties: Moscow

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The claims made by French President Emmanuel Macron about Russia's "dependence" on China are an effort to pit friendly nations against one another, but Western leaders must accept the fact that Moscow and Beijing have close ties, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Monday.

Macron said earlier in the day that Russia had suffered a "geopolitical defeat" and was turning more and more dependent on China, which was "raising doubts" among its traditional friends.

"However, in the emerging view of the world, Emmanuel Macron, like other Western leaders, will have to come to terms with the reality of strong, equal, and mutually respectful relations between Moscow and Beijing. A factor the importance and influence of which on international relations will only increase," Grushko said.

The ambassador said that by supplying Ukraine with weaponry, the West was attempting to deflect blame for the current conflict.

"The ongoing reckless pumping of the fascist Kiev regime with weapons is the only way to avoid taking responsibility for the crisis into which they have plunged many countries and regions with their thoughtless policy of inciting neighbors against each other," the diplomat stressed.

In a landmark visit to Russia in March, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Chinese-Russian relations are bound by history, geography, and most importantly the strategic cooperation between the two nations. He also added that existing ties between the two nations demonstrate healthy development dynamics.

Moreover, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier in the day that the body strongly disagrees with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has recently said that Russia is becoming dependent on China.

"We strongly disagree with this, because our relations with China are in the nature of a strategic, special partnership, and this is not connected with any dependence on anyone," Peskov said.

It is noteworthy that Macron, before calling Russia dependent on China, asked China to broker a deal between Ukraine and Russia before the summer in April.

Bloomberg reported that Macron has assigned his foreign policy advisor Emmanuel Bonne to collaborate with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to produce a ground plan sustainable for a negotiation. 

However, per the outlet, it remains unknown if Ukraine or its allies have shown Macron support, since the allies and Ukraine have repeatedly rejected negotiations as long as Russian troops remain in territories Ukraine claims as its own.

Macron said China could play a major role in finding a "path to peace" in Ukraine. "China, with its close relationship with Russia, which has been reaffirmed in recent days, can play a major role," he indicated.

This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Paris on Sunday for talks with Macron after having accepted a prize for Kiev's fight for "European ideals" during a visit to Germany.

"Paris. With each visit, Ukraine's defense and offensive capabilities are expanding," Zelensky tweeted as he arrived on Sunday evening at the airbase of Villacoublay southwest of Paris.

Furthermore, according to the Ukrainian leader, relations with Europe "are getting stronger, and the pressure on Russia is growing."

Shortly afterward, Macron welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart to the Elysee Palace for the second time since the start of the Ukraine war.

The French leader's office said the two heads of state would discuss France's "support" in responding to "Ukraine's urgent military and humanitarian needs" during a dinner at the presidential palace.

Moreover, the statement said Macron would "reaffirm the unwavering support of France and Europe for restoring Ukraine's legitimate rights and defend its fundamental interests."