Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have each written articles for publication in the other's country ahead of Xi's visit to Russia. Both articles sound a hopeful note for a solution to the Ukraine situation.

Xi is starting his three-day visit to Russia on Monday.

Beijing released a paper in February titled "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis," which calls for direct dialogue between the two countries to reach a comprehensive ceasefire.

Xi wrote in the article that China's proposal "takes into account the legitimate concerns of all parties" and has been constructive in facilitating a political settlement.

He stressed that as long as all parties concerned "pursue equal-footed, rational and results-oriented dialogue and consultation, they will find a reasonable way out to resolve the crisis."

In his article, Putin wrote of his high expectations for the upcoming talks with Xi. He said, "We have no doubt that they will give a new powerful impetus to our bilateral cooperation in its entirety."

Putin expressed his appreciation for China's "well-balanced stance on the events in Ukraine." He said Russia welcomes "China's readiness to make a meaningful contribution to the settlement of the crisis."

The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Tuesday. It will be their first in-person meeting since last September.