On the evening of May 7, 2025 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow by special plane to pay a state visit to Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Air Force sent fighter jets to escort Xi Jinping's plane after it entered the country's airspace.

Xi Jinping was warmly welcomed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and other senior government officials when his special plane arrived at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow.

The Russian side held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport. The military band played the national anthems of China and Russia. Xi Jinping inspected the guard of honor and watched the march-past.

Xi Jinping made a written statement, and on behalf of the Chinese government and people, extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the Russian government and people.

Xi Jinping noted that China and Russia are good neighbors always being there for each other, true friends sharing weal and woe, and good partners helping each other succeed. The two sides have successfully found the right way for big, neighboring countries to get along and forged the spirit of China-Russia strategic coordination in the new era. The independent, mature and resilient China-Russia relationship not only brings great benefits to the people of the two countries, but also makes important contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. As major countries in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia will join hands to defend the outcomes of the victory of World War II, resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system. President Xi Jinping said that he looks forward to having in-depth communication with President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations, practical cooperation and international and regional issues of common interest and concern, which will inject strong impetus into promoting the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. He also looks forward to joining the leaders of many countries and the Russian people in cherishing the memory of those who dedicated their lives to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and jointly sending a strong message of safeguarding international fairness and justice.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi and other members of the entourage arrived on the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui also greeted the delegation at the airport.

When Xi Jinping's motorcade drove from the airport to the hotel, local residents as well as representatives of Chinese enterprises and students gathered along the streets to warmly welcome President Xi Jinping by holding red banners that read "Warmly Welcome President Xi Jinping to Russia for a Visit" and waving the national flags of China and Russia.