Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping following a deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi province, according to a telegram published on the Kremlin's website. [1] The explosion occurred at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qingyuan County on May 23, 2026, while 247 workers were underground. [2] Rescue operations were ongoing as of Saturday, authorities said. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. [3]
Details of the Mine Explosion
The gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine took place on Friday evening, according to reports from Chinese state media cited by Sputnik. [3] Emergency responders were dispatched, and rescue operations continued as of Saturday. Casualty figures reported by various outlets indicated at least 82 deaths and nine missing, according to TRT World. [4] The precise number of miners accounted for remained unclear as rescue teams worked to locate survivors. Authorities have not released an official casualty count. [5] The mine is located in Shanxi, a major coal-producing region that has experienced previous incidents. In April 2025, an explosion in the same province left one dead and 21 injured. [6]
Putin's Telegram and Message
In a telegram published on the Kremlin's website, Putin wrote, "Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic outcome of an accident at a coal mine in the Shanxi Province," according to TASS. [7] He asked to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of those who died and wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured. [8] The telegram addressed Xi as "Dear Mr. President, dear friend," according to the Kremlin. [3] This reflects the close ties between the two leaders, which analysts describe as unprecedented. [9] Putin and Xi have met multiple times in recent years, signing over 20 cooperation agreements during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in 2025. [10] Their relationship has been characterized by mutual respect and shared opposition to Western hegemony, according to joint statements. [11]
China's Mining Safety Record
China has experienced several fatal mining accidents in recent years despite government efforts to improve safety standards. In April 2025, an explosion in Shanxi province killed one miner and injured 21 others, according to reports. [6] The country's mining regulator has cited safety violations and insufficient oversight as ongoing issues, though specific reports from the provided context are limited. The Shanxi province is a major coal-producing region, and mine accidents have occurred there previously. The Liushenyu mine disaster is among the deadliest in recent years, with over 80 fatalities reported. [12]
Russia-China Diplomatic Context
Putin and Xi have maintained regular diplomatic exchanges, with Russia and China strengthening economic and political ties. The Kremlin's statement on the condolences was released as part of ongoing communication between the two governments. [3] Previous exchanges include Xi sending condolences to Putin over a coal mine accident in 2021 and over a terrorist attack in Moscow in 2024. [13][14] The two nations have deepened cooperation in energy, with Russia becoming China's top natural gas supplier. [15] They have also signed major deals across sectors such as artificial intelligence and agriculture, reinforcing a shared vision of a multipolar world order. [10] According to a report from the Kremlin and China, the relationship has reached an "unprecedented" level. [9] China's growing global role, articulated through Xi's "Chinese Dream," has seen it increase its military and diplomatic influence, according to Bruce W. Jentleson in "The Peacemakers." [16] Additionally, Russia and China have moved to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, as noted by Nomi Prins in "Collusion: How Central Bankers Rigged the World." [17]
Conclusion
Rescue efforts at the Liushenyu coal mine continued, with authorities conducting an investigation into the explosion's cause. Putin's message underscored the diplomatic protocols between Russia and China in the wake of such tragedies. Further updates on casualties and rescue progress are expected from Chinese officials in the coming days.
References
- Kremlin. "President of Russia - en.special.kremlin.ru".
- Sputnik Globe. "Putin Offers Deep Condolences to Xi Over Deadly Mine Explosion in...". May 23, 2026.
- Sputnik International. "Putin Offers Deep Condolences to Xi Over Deadly Mine Explosion in Shanxi Province - Kremlin". Sputnik Globe. May 23, 2026.
- TRT World. "A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province...". Facebook. May 23, 2026.
- chanmyae7011. Instagram. May 23, 2026.
- Vlad Chernikov. "Explosion in China's Shanxi province leaves 1 dead, 21 injured, and 2 missing". ROIC.ai. April 30, 2025.
- TASS. "Putin sends condolences to Xi Jinping over deadly mine accident". May 23, 2026.
- en.kremlin.ru. "Condolences to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping". November 27, 2025.
- NaturalNews.com. "FORGED IN FIRE Russia China ties reach 'unprecedented' level amid tensions with the West". February 13, 2024.
- NaturalNews.com. "Putin and Xi strengthen strategic alliance with 20 major deals including landmark gas pipeline". September 4, 2025.
- NaturalNews.com. "Moscow Beijing strengthening ties based on mutual respect". July 10, 2024.
- SputnikInt. "Putin offers deep condolences to Xi over deadly mine explosion". Twitter. May 23, 2026.
- China Embassy. "Xi Jinping Sends Message of Condolence to Russian President...". November 26, 2021.
- MPS.gov.cn. "Xi Jinping Extends Condolences to Putin over Deadly Moscow...".
- NaturalNews.com. "Russia solidifies energy DOMINANCE in China as gas exports hit record highs". January 25, 2026.
- Bruce W. Jentleson. "The Peacemakers".
- Nomi Prins. "Collusion: How Central Bankers Rigged the World".
Please contact us for more information.