Vladimir Putin told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Monday that Russians were open to discussing China's proposals to end the fighting in Ukraine at the beginning of high-stakes talks in the Kremlin.
The summit comes as China attempts to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, but Washington warned that the world should not be fooled by Beijing's moves.
Xi's three-day trip shows the support for internationally isolated Putin, just days after a war crimes tribunal issued a warrant for his arrest over his accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children.
Putin told the Chinese leader, who was visiting Moscow for the first time since Russia's military intervention in Ukraine last year, we are always open to negotiations.
The United States accused Beijing of mulling arms exports to Moscow -- China has vociferously denied it.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken said he was sceptical about Xi's proposals for Ukraine, but warned that they could be a stalling tactic to help Russia.
Russia could end its war today. Blinken said in a statement that until Russia does, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Xi and Putin came together in part to discuss China's 12 point position paper on the Ukraine conflict, which includes a call for dialogue and respect for all countries' territorial sovereignty.
During his initial meeting with Putin Xi praised close ties with Russia and the Russian leader said the two countries had plenty of common objectives and tasks.