"Putin's Joint Show of Defiance: Russia's President Speaks at China's Belt and Road Forum"

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare international appearance at the third Belt and Road forum in Beijing, where he invited other countries to participate in the development of the Northern Sea Route. Putin emphasized the importance of connectivity between partners and highlighted Russia's efforts to build railway routes towards China, Mongolia, and other ports. The successful development of the Northern Sea Route could make Russia critical to global trade and communications between Asia and Europe. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced billions in new funds for the Belt and Road Initiative and emphasized the progress made by the initiative. Xi and Putin are also set to hold bilateral talks.