Xi told Putin that Beijing stood alongside Russia in the face of “hegemonic bullying” — a nod to the two countries’ anti-US stance. “In the face of the international counter-current of unilateralism and hegemonic bullying behaviour, China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities of major world powers,” Xi said. Ahead of the meeting, Putin called Xi his “dear friend”, while Xi referred to the Kremlin leader as his “old friend”. Zelensky denounced Moscow’s World War II commemorations as a “parade of cynicism” and renewed calls for support against Russia. Trump has in recent days hailed the United States’ contribution as the most decisive in the allies’ 1945 victory over Nazi Germany.