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Putin told Xi, however, that any Ukrainian settlement “must respect Russian interests”, according to foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov who spoke to reporters after the call.
Beijing has been accused of building up Moscow’s war machine by supplying critical components to the conflict in Ukraine.
Trade between the two countries will reach a record $240bn (£191bn) in 2023, up more than 64% since 2021 – before Russia invaded Ukraine.
“Putin and Xi confirmed their readiness to build relations with the US on the basis of mutual benefit and respect, if the Trump team shows interest”, said Ushakov.
He also said, however, that the call was “not related to Trump’s inauguration in any way”.
The call lasted about one-and-a-half hours, during which Putin and Xi also discussed the situation in the Middle East, South Korea and Taiwan, according to Ushakov.
Chinese state media said Xi also expressed readiness to work with Putin in response to “external uncertainties”, without giving specifics.
Xi held a phone call with Trump last week, which the US president described as a “very good” discussion for both countries. They talked about trafficking, fentanyl and TikTok, among others, he said.
Putin has not been able to speak with Trump, but congratulated him on state television hours before the inauguration.
