Hours after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a symbolic show of unity.

Speaking at his official residence in Novo Ogaryovo outside Moscow, Putin emphasized the close relationship between the two countries, saying that their relationship was based on "common interests, equality and mutual benefit" and calling Xi Jinping his "dear friend" ".

Moscow has become increasingly reliant on China as a trading partner and key diplomatic ally as its conflict with the West escalates after launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. In turn, Beijing exploits Russia's isolation from the West to ensure preferential access to its resources and markets.

In February 2022, Putin visited Beijing, and just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine, the two countries announced an "unrestricted" partnership. Since then, the two leaders have visited each other's capitals frequently and have become indispensable allies in their common goal of reshaping the global order and opposing the West.

While neither leader mentioned Trump directly during the televised portion of the call, the timing of their conversation may indicate that Putin and Xi hope to coordinate their approach to engaging with the new U.S. administration.

Trump has threatened to impose tariffs and other measures on China during his second term, while also suggesting the two rival powers could cooperate on issues such as regional conflicts and restrictions on exports of substances used to produce fentanyl.

Trump has vowed to quickly end the war in Ukraine, a move that could involve China given Russia's growing reliance on Beijing.

The call between Putin and Xi was not officially released, but Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said they discussed talks with Trump and the prospects of a potential peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. Ushakov added that Moscow was ready for serious dialogue with the Trump administration on Ukraine and was awaiting concrete proposals that could serve as the basis for talks between the two leaders.

Ushakov's comments were the latest in a series of remarks by Russian officials signaling their willingness to discuss the Ukraine war with Trump, even as a clear path to peace remains elusive.

Putin, who has yet to speak to Trump, congratulated him on his inauguration and welcomed his intention to open dialogue with Moscow in a televised address on Monday during a video call with officials.

Asked about the war in Ukraine shortly after taking office, Trump said he would meet with Putin "soon" and that the Russian president's refusal to negotiate a ceasefire with Ukraine was "destroying Russia."

Trump also told reporters that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told him he wanted a peace deal and expressed hope that Putin would follow suit. Trump said: "I think Russia is in big trouble." He claimed that 1 million Russian soldiers were killed in the Ukraine war and said that the conflict had caused serious damage to the Russian economy.