The Putin-Xi Bond: Celebrating a Fraught Friendship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Chinese President Xi Jinping on his 70th birthday, further cementing the personal bond between the two authoritarian leaders. The close relationship between the two nations has been fundamental to Russia's economic survival since it invaded Ukraine nearly 16 months ago. However, it risks growing fraught over the long term, as Russia becomes increasingly reliant on China, while China takes a more measured approach to Moscow and seeks to win back some European support.