Pentagon warns Putin-Xi ties could prolong Ukraine war: 'very troubling'

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Thursday that the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled that Beijing intends to support Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine and pursue policies that may escalate or prolong the conflict.

Xi's state visit occurred in late March and marked the first official diplomatic visit by the Chinese leader to Russia since the start of the Ukraine invasion. The Pentagon took Xi's presence as an indication that Beijing approves of the ongoing Russian effort to take the country.

"Xi’s visit to Putin and remaining there for a couple of days I think sends a very troubling message, a message of support," he said, according to The Hill. Austin made the remarks while speaking to the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.

His remarks come amid fears that China intends to provide lethal aid to Russia to help it stave off a prospective Ukrainian counteroffensive, a move Austin said "would prolong the conflict and certainly broaden the conflict potentially — not only in the region, but globally."

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned Beijing in February against providing Russia with lethal aid. Blinken indicated that he also told Chinese Communist Party Central Foreign Affairs Office Director Wang Yi that China must refrain from sending more spy balloons into U.S. airspace.

On the ground, Russian forces have moved to encircle the fortress city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, which, if taken, would be a pivotal victory in the battle for the region.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.