Russia strengthens its relationship with China while the West provides $16 billion in aid to Ukraine, a country devastated by war.

China and Russia have strengthened their friendship and jointly criticised the West during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow. The two leaders referred to each other as “dear friends” and promised economic cooperation, with a joint statement including accusations against the US and NATO for undermining global stability. Putin praised Xi’s peace plan for Ukraine, but Xi barely mentioned the conflict, saying that China had an “impartial position” on it. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund announced a preliminary agreement with Kyiv on a four-year loan package of about $15.6 billion, and the US intends to speed up delivery to Ukraine of 31 Abrams battle tanks to the autumn. European Union countries also pledged to send 1 million artillery rounds over the next year to Ukraine. On the ground, fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with residents queuing for food and water amidst heavy artillery fire.