evidence: Putin has long been shunned by Western leaders over the invasion. And yet in meetings with Xi before cameras, the Chinese leader praised Putin's "strong leadership" — even encouraging Russians to reelect him in 2024. It was an awkward moment: Putin has remained coy about his future political plans. [...] Speaking to Xi in front of cameras at the start of discussions Monday, Putin said he had "carefully studied" the Chinese proposals, was "open to peace talks," and welcomed China's "constructive role." [...] A telling moment came as Xi bid farewell to Putin following a state dinner at the Kremlin Tuesday.