Russian President Vladimir Putin (1st R), Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak (L) and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak (2nd R) watch the launching ceremony of the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline via teleconference in Sochi, Russia, Dec. 2, 2019. Chinese President Xi Jinping had a video call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Monday afternoon, as the two heads of state jointly witnessed the launching ceremony of the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline. (Sputnik/Handout via Xinhua)