Cracks in ties over conflict

Face to face: Putin speaking with Xi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders’ summit in Samarkand. — AFP

KYIV: Russian President Vladimir Putin said he understood China’s Xi Jinping had concerns about the situation in Ukraine, a surprise acknowledgement of friction with Beijing over the war after a week of stunning Russian losses on the ground.

Since Russia’s invasion, China has trod a careful line, criticising Western sanctions against Russia but stopping short of endorsing or assisting in the military campaign.