Interference in Ukraine is unacceptable - Russian and Chinese leaders

Moscow and Beijing condemn any attempts at external interference in the situation in Ukraine, the Russian president's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Both parties have emphasized the unacceptability of any interference from the outside in what is happening and a very serious condemnation of such interference has been voiced," Peskov told reporters following the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

"The sides aired much criticism of outside interference," Peskov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping wished victory to Russian and Chinese athletes at the Winter Olympics in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Thursday. "Over these days all Chinese residents celebrate the Lunar New Year. This is a family holiday with visits to relatives and close friends. Let's believe that we are close friends," Putin told Xi. The Russian leader greeted his Chinese counterpart on the Lunar New Year and wished a "successful performance to the Chinese olympic team."

"You have come precisely when the whole of China is celebrating the New Year, it is purely a family event, so let us think that such is the case: you have come to your closest friends," Putin said, wishing the Chinese team success at the Olympic Games. The Chinese president believes that he is celebrating "a double holiday"; the holiday of spring and the Olympics during his visit to Sochi. "The Winter Olympics is one of most important events on a global scale," he believes. In the view of the Chinese leader, the Sochi Olympics symbolises Russia's movement forward. "I am deeply convinced that the Olympics will be held at the highest level thanks to Russia's thorough organisation of the Games," Xi Jinping said. He hopes that "Chinese and Russian athletes will lead at upcoming competitions.

Bilateral relations between Russia and China are developing "incrementally," said Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Our political contacts are growing, with five high-level meetings scheduled for this year," Putin said after holding talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday. Cooperation also includes that between our security and military agencies, "including the military who are now ensuring the removal of chemical weapons from Syria," the Russian president said. Russia and China "are making a significant contribution to global development and security," Putin said. "As regards our bilateral ties, these are developing incrementally, despite everything seemingly being good anyway. We can feel the development, it is very noticeable and substantial," Putin said. Trade between the two countries has already reached $87 billion, with both nataions nearing the planned target of $100 billion, he said. I am very glad to see Xi Jinping, Putin added.