'Today is my new favorite day'

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin traded compliments in Moscow at the start of a key state visit that is being closely watched around the world for possible movement on the war in Ukraine. Xi and Putin, both effectively leaders for life, have met around 40 times and are stressing bilateral cooperation. Xi has floated a peace plan for Ukraine, but critics say his visit throws the isolated Putin a lifeline and that a Beijing-brokered ceasefire could allow Russia to rearm for future aggression against its neighbor.