Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for three days of talkswith Russian President Vladimir Putin, a visit eyed warily by the U.S. and Western allies. 

Xi's first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine would appear to show support for Putin, who needs trade deals and bullets as he faces pressure from economic sanctions and reports that his military is running low on ammunition and fighting equipment.

"It gives me great pleasure to once again set foot on the soil of Russia, our friendly neighbor," said Xi, who added that he first visited as president 10 years ago.

China has called for a cease-fire and peace talks, a plan praised by Moscow but rejected by Kyiv because it would keep Russian troops in occupied territory.