Eastern European Countries Boost Military Support and Diplomatic Ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia next week, marking his first visit since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In a significant shift, Poland and Slovakia have agreed to send Ukraine MiG fighter jets, with Poland sending four and Slovakia pledging to send 13. The move signals a willingness by NATO allies to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry to combat Russian forces. Meanwhile, Russian and Wagner Group forces have gained ground in the city of Bakhmut, but the broader offensive has slowed. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for a tribunal to punish Russia for alleged war crimes, while U.S. Secretary of State Blinken has urged Russia to allow the Black Sea grain deal to continue.