At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a Kremlin ally, will visit China next week.
During a meeting in Uzbekistan last September, Xi and Lukashenko declared an "all-weather" partnership.
Lukashenko has been a supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Belarus let Russia use its territory as a launchpad for its attack on Ukraine and was ready to do so again.
- According to Qin Gang, the Chinese foreign minister, China was willing to work with Belarus, which borders Ukraine and Russia, to strengthen trust.
- A social media channel related to Lukashenko's press service revealed that he spoke on Friday to Putin.
- The Kremlin has not shared any statement about the two leaders' exchange.
