Russian President Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Moscow in March 2023 that Russia would fight against Ukraine for at least five years. This was reported by Nikkei Asia, citing "multiple sources familiar with diplomatic maneuvers between China and Russia."

"This was obviously Putin's way of summarizing the situation, which at the time was not in Russia's favor, and assuring Xi that Russia would eventually emerge victorious," the publication says.

The publication also writes about the connection between this statement and subsequent events - the resignation of the Chinese Foreign Minister and Xi Jinping's sending of a special representative for peaceful settlement, Li Hui, to Ukraine, Europe and Russia. 

Nikkei Asia has no other confirmation of the information. 

The publication notes that last week The New York Times reported that since September, Putin has been using mediators to "signal" his readiness for a ceasefire, provided that Russia can keep the territories it currently occupies. But, according to Nikkei Asia author Katsuji Nakazawa, given Putin's words to Xi Jinping in March, his "signals" should not be taken at face value.

"Putin may simply want to create the illusion that he is moving toward a ceasefire or even peace ahead of Russia's presidential election in March, believing that such an atmosphere will favor him in the election," the article says.