HONG KONG — Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia early next week, in his first such trip since Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Xi will pay a state visit from Monday to Wednesday, China’s Foreign Ministry said Friday.

“During this visit President Xi will have an in-depth exchange of views with President Putin on bilateral relations and major international regional issues of mutual interest,” spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular briefing. “The strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries will contribute to the growth of bilateral ties.” 

The visit was also confirmed by the Kremlin.

“The two leaders will discuss key topics concerning the further development of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China,” it said in a statement.

It said a number of “important bilateral documents” would also be signed.

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The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not confirm reports that Xi’s Russia trip would be followed by a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy, whom the Chinese leader hasn’t spoken to since before the war began last February.

“We are in communication with all parties,” Wang said in response to a question about the reports. 

Xi’s Russia visit comes as China is trying to position itself as a mediator in the conflict, which is now in its second year. A 12-point peace proposal Beijing released last month received a tepid response in both Ukraine and Russia, while it was quickly dismissed by the West as too favorable to Moscow.

China, which declared a “no limits” partnership with Russia weeks before the invasion of Ukraine, has tried to portray itself as neutral in the conflict. It has refrained from condemning Russia’s aggression or even calling it an invasion, while calling for negotiations and being careful to avoid violating international sanctions.

The United States has been warning that China may be considering sending artillery and ammunition to Russia for use in the conflict, which would represent a significant shift in its approach. Beijing has dismissed the reports and accused Washington of escalating the conflict with its support for Kyiv.

In a rare call on Thursday with his Ukrainian counterpart, China’s new foreign minister, Qin Gang, said Beijing was concerned that the conflict could escalate out of control and that it hoped for a political solution.

“China has always adhered to an objective and fair position on the Ukraine issue, is committed to encouraging peace talks, and calls on the international community to create conditions for peace talks,” he told Dmytro Kuleba, according to a readout by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Kuleba, who also spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier Thursday, said on Twitter that he and Qin had “discussed the significance of the principle of territorial integrity.” He said he also underscored the importance of Zelenskyy’s own peace plan.