Jeddah:  Prior to the anniversary of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, China pledged a stronger partnership with Russia on Wednesday while US President Joe Biden rallied NATO allies in eastern Europe.

Vladimir Putin stated that Russia was fighting for its "historical" lands in Ukraine and that its soldiers were "fighting heroically, courageously, bravely we are proud of them" at a sizable state-organized patriotic rally in Moscow.

In Ukraine, classes were moved online for the remainder of the week out of concern for an increase in Russian missile attacks a year after the invasion on February 24.

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The highest ranking Chinese official to visit Russia since the invasion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, assured Putin that Beijing was prepared to deepen relations. Russia and China needed to "constantly deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership" during this time of crisis, he said.

Putin expressed excitement for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow and a stronger partnership. Although Xi is scheduled to deliver a "peace speech" on Friday, Kiev maintains that no talk of peace is possible as long as Russian troops are present in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "This unjust and criminal Russian war against Ukraine, Europe, and the democratic world must come to an end with the liberation of the entire Ukrainian land from Russian occupation and firm guarantees of the long-term security for our state, all of Europe, and the entire world.

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On Friday, Russia and China are scheduled to start military drills in South Africa, and Russia has sent a frigate outfitted with newer generation hypersonic cruise missiles.

Speaking to nine eastern NATO members at a meeting in Warsaw, Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Russian aggression in Ukraine had altered the security environment in Europe. According to Biden, Washington is dedicated to protecting every square mile of the alliance's territory.

The president addressed the summit of nations that joined the Western military alliance after siding with Moscow during the Cold War, saying, "You are the front line of our collective defence."

In a joint statement, they called for an increased NATO presence on Ukraine's eastern flank and are currently among the country's most ardent supporters of military assistance.

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The invasion, according to Biden, had put the world to the test, but Washington and its allies had proven they would stand up for democracy. He denied Moscow's claim that the West was attempting to subjugate or destroy it and charged Moscow with crimes against humanity.