US urges Xi to press Putin over 'war crimes' in Ukraine

The US has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to press Vladimir Putin on ceasing the "war crimes" being carried out by Russia in Ukraine.

The two will meet again on Tuesday for official talks during Mr Xi's first visit to Moscow since the invasion.

The White House's National Security Council spokesman called on Mr Xi to urge his Russian counterpart to withdraw troops from Ukraine.

John Kirby said seeking a ceasefire would not be enough.

"We hope that President Xi will press President Putin to cease bombing Ukrainian cities, hospitals and schools, to halt the war crimes and atrocities and to withdraw his troops," he said. read more