Trump Faces Another Humiliation? Xi Dials Putin Ahead of Historic Ukraine Summit With Big Message

In a high-stakes call on August 8, Xi Jinping backed Vladimir Putin just days before the Russian leader’s expected summit with Donald Trump. Putin reassured Xi that Russia’s “comprehensive strategic partnership” with China would remain unshaken, dismissing speculation of a rift. Xi urged continued U.S.–Russia dialogue and political solutions for Ukraine, while Putin praised China’s “constructive role.” With Trump’s ceasefire deadline to Moscow set for the same day, the stage is set for tense diplomacy. Will Trump’s first meeting with Putin in his second term bring peace—or trigger new confrontation?