The state visit of China’s leader, Xi Jinping, to Russia highlights the close ties between the nations, a relationship that is increasingly important to Moscow as it is severed from most other countries. West.
China is a focus Russia’s trading partner, buys most of its oil exports while selling large volumes of products used by Russian civilians and military alike. This is one of the countries with maintain good relations with Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine — some provide diplomatic or economic assistance, others military aid.
Here’s a look at a few of them:
Belarus
Russia’s closest regional ally, Belarus became particularly dependent on Moscow after it helped President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko crush anti-government protests in 2020. Lukashenko allowed Russia to use his country as an initial springboard to invade Ukraine last year, and Russia used Belarusian territory to train and supply its troops.
India
ONE major crude oil buyers, India has helped Moscow offset losses in oil sales to European countries seeking to reduce dependence on Russian oil. Friendly to both Ukraine and Russia, India did not condemn the Russian invasion and was seen as a potential mediator. Last week, a senior Indian official called on Europe to “find a solution” to war, saying it distracts from the pressing problems facing the world’s poor.
Iran
Russia and Iran have drawn closer together, including integrate their banking system, as they try to address Western sanctions that have hindered both countries’ access to foreign capital. Tehran has also provided military assistance, including exploding drones that Moscow has used to attack Ukrainian infrastructure, and US officials have warned that the two countries are strengthening their military links into one “Comprehensive Defense Partnership.”
North Korea
The United States has accused the reclusive government in Pyongyang of secretly sending millions of artillery shells and missiles to Russia, which North Korea denies. But North Korea officially supported the Russian invasion, blaming the United States for the conflict.
South Africa
Friendly with Russia for a long time, South Africa has leaning towards alliance over the past year, causing disappointment from the United States and European countries. South Africa has held military exercises involving Russia and China this year. Despite denying war support, South Africa still has economic ties to Russia and the United States has warned it not to help Moscow evade sanctions.
Syria
Russia already has a strong military presence in Syria, keeping President Bashar al-Assad in power, but has redeploy some of its troops there to Ukraine. Last week, Mr. al-Assad visited Moscow and stressed his support for the Russian invasion, using his meeting with Putin to repeat the Kremlin’s misguided view that forces Russia is fighting the “Nazi” Ukraine.
