On-point: Putin, Xi say ties are at highest level in history

The two leaders of Russia and China showed off their tighter relations on the occasion of Russia's Victory Day.

They also didn't forget to back North Korea against international sanctions.

Let's discuss more with Professor Robert English.

Welcome back, Professor English.

1. Putin and Xi Jinping say they're solidifying their relations at what Putin says is "the highest level in history."

They're stressing this now because both have worsening relations with the U.S. right?

2. Russia and China also called on the international community to drop sanctions against North Korea.

Why is China backing North Korea so clearly now? Weren't Pyongyang-Beijing relations lukewarm in the past months?

3. The 72-hour ceasefire declared by Putin is now effective, but isn't this ceasefire just a show for Russia?

Will it be a peaceful one? It wasn't during the Easter ceasefire.

4. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un didn't make it to Russia for the Victory Day celebrations.

Instead, the regime fired short-range missiles on Thursday, which some experts say were tests to import the weapons to Russia.

What's your take on it? Is that possible?

5. U.S. President Donald Trump teased a very big announcement earlier this week.

Could it be anything related to the Ukraine war?

Or not, considering slow developments on ending the war?

Thanks so much for connecting with us.

We appreciate it.