 Putin tells Xi he intends to fight in Ukraine for at least five years. Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a meeting in Moscow in March 2023 that Russia will fight for at least five years in Ukraine. The Nikkei Asia news outlet has stated with reference to its sources. Nikkei Asia noted that the New York Times had recently reported that since at least September Putin had been using intermediaries to make it clear that he was open to a ceasefire provided that Russia can keep the territories it currently occupies. But given Putin's words to Xi in March, revealed by multiple sources familiar with diplomatic maneuvering between China and Russia, the Russian leaders reported intentions for a ceasefire should not be taken at face value. Nikkei Asia added it is possible that Putin only wants to create the illusion that he is moving towards a ceasefire or even peace ahead of Russia's presidential election in March, believing that such an atmosphere will be favourable for him in the polls. Meanwhile, China has revised its strategy in part based on Putin's March five-year statement. Nikkei Asia says that if the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, it will have a significant impact on Xi's plans and ambitions for his unprecedented third term as leader of China and general secretary of the Communist Party of China. It could also affect Xi's big goal of reunifying Taiwan with mainland China.