Russia’s advance in Ukraine stagnates. Moscow’s troops outnumber the Ukrainian forces, and the noose around cities like Kyiv, Mariupol and Kharkiv tightens. But Putin’s plan for a quick victory has failed. China is now supposed to come to the rescue. At least that is what renowned newspapers such as Washington Post, the New York Times and the Financial Times report, citing US officials. According to these reports, Moscow has requested military and economic aid from Beijing – and China has signaled its willingness.