Ukraine news latest: Russia denies accusations of torture in Kyiv as Putin forges stronger ties with China

VLADIMIR Putin on Friday met with China’s Xi Jinping as the two leaders forged ever-closer ties between their nations. Russian leader Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping he was keen to ramp up military cooperation and hailed the two nation’s efforts to counter Western influence as he called on his “dear friend” to visit Moscow. Mr Putin said: “We are expecting you, dear Mr Chairman, dear friend, we are expecting you next spring on a state visit to Moscow.” This comes as the Kremlin denied accusations of the brutal torture of Ukrainians in Kyiv. Moscow’s UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya dismissed claims civilians were tortured and killed in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Read our Ukraine war blog below for the latest news…