Speaking about the prospects of ending the conflict , Putin said legal issues surrounding Ukraine's leadership would need to be clarified if both sides reach a settlement.

Under Ukraine's constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms. Putin argued that questions remain about how President Zelensky's extended time in office should be interpreted.

"Under the Ukrainian Constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms. If we agree with those who believe that President Zelensky extended his term legally, then two years have already passed. So is he now going to run for another five years? That is not permitted under the Constitution."

Putin continued: "Only two five-year terms, or ten years in total. But what about the two years he has already spent in power? There are many questions."

Despite raising concerns over the legal framework, Putin said Russia remains willing to pursue a negotiated end to the conflict.

"But if we do eventually get to signing the documents, I think that if there is a desire to end the armed conflict peacefully - and Russia does have such a desire - we will find those who need to sign the relevant document."

He added that the legal aspects of any agreement would require further examination by specialists.

"It's a very important matter, but it is, after all, a legal issue."

Putin said that if the conflict ultimately comes to an end, both sides should be able to recognise that outcome.

"With regard to what we might say to one another when the conflict comes to an end, the very least we could and should say is, 'Thank God it's all over.'"

"But the legal side to the matter must, naturally, be looked into at the specialists level. I think this is understandable."

“Once again, I want to express the most sincere condolences to the families, who suffered such an unfulfillable loss. They lost the most precious thing that every family has, every person has. They lost their children and grandchildren,” Putin said.

“I repeat, we need to do everything to support people .”

Putin said he had requested updates from Russia’s top law enforcement officials regarding the investigation into the attack.

“I have invited both the Prosecutor General and the Chairman of the Investigation Committee. I would like to ask you to give your assessment of what has happened and report on how the investigation of these criminals is going. All of them must receive the deserved punishment, and it will be inevitable,” he added.

According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, a drone struck a student dormitory and educational buildings at Starobelsk College of Luhansk State Pedagogical University on May 22. Russian authorities reported that 21 people were killed and 42 others were injured. Most of those killed were reportedly minors aged between 14 and 18.

Starobelsk is located in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s Luhansk region.

Following the incident, Russia launched retaliatory strikes on Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities reported that two people were killed and 56 others were injured in the attacks, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Ukraine’s Air Force said it intercepted 549 Russian drones and 55 missiles launched during the operation.

The visit also comes less than a week after US President Donald Trump completed his own state visit to China, placing additional attention on Beijing’s global diplomatic positioning.

Putin’s 2024 state visit to China

One of the most significant recent meetings between the two leaders took place in May 2024, when Putin travelled to Beijing for his first foreign trip after re-election.

Xi welcomed Putin with a formal state ceremony featuring military honours, red carpet events, marching troops, and performances by a Chinese military band. The two leaders later launched the “Years of Russian-Chinese Culture” programme, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the visit, Xi described the relationship as strategically important for both nations. Putin also praised the state of relations between Moscow and Beijing.

In a lighter moment during the event, Putin joked that he felt comfortable enough in China to forget interpreters were needed.

“I feel at home here, so I thought everyone here already speaks Russian,” he said.

Xi responded by welcoming Putin’s decision to make China his first overseas destination after beginning his new presidential term.

Moscow Victory Day celebrations in 2025

The two leaders met again in Moscow in May 2025 during Russia’s Victory Day commemorations, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.

Footage from the Kremlin showed Putin and Xi holding bilateral talks, overseeing document signing ceremonies, and attending military parades together on Red Square.

Speaking during the Moscow meetings, Putin described Russia-China relations as a stabilising force in global affairs.

Xi highlighted the importance of Russia in China’s foreign relations.

The leaders were later seen together during the Victory Day parade as Chinese troops marched through Red Square.

Beijing Victory Day events in 2025

In September 2025, Putin returned to Beijing for China’s Victory Day commemorations, where he again appeared alongside Xi during major military ceremonies and public events.

Footage from Tiananmen Square showed the two leaders attending parades, concerts, and official receptions together. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was also present at some of the events.

Military formations responded by shouting “Hurrah!” as artillery cannons fired salvos across the square.

The ceremony included performances by military bands, the singing of the Russian national anthem, and appearances by senior officials and invited guests. Spectators and military personnel stood during the anthem as cannons continued firing in the background.

Footage from the parade showed Russian flags, marching formations, military musicians, and dignitaries observing the event from viewing stands.

Victory Day is observed annually in Russia on May 9 to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.