kremlin

The kremlin was forced Wednesday to say it was taking "all necessary measures" to ensure the safety of foreign leaders set to attend its flagship May 9 parade after a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks closed airports across the country, disrupting hundreds of flights. Chinese troops are among some of the foreign soldiers set to march during the May 9 parade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will on Wednesday meet with the leaders of Venezuela and Cuba, Moscow's traditional allies in South America, the kremlin said Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the "grandest" ever annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on Friday, evoking the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II to rally support for his troops fighting in Ukraine.

A kremlin-declared three-day ceasefire, coinciding with Russia’s World War II Victory Day, has begun. Kyiv, however, is calling for a 30-day truce, citing Russia's history of violating ceasefire agreements, including a recent Easter pause marred by alleged violations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow wants a "fair" nuclear deal between the United States and Iran and was ready to help advance talks, the kremlin said. The two countries have held three rounds since April 12, their highest-level contact since the United States withdrew from a landmark deal with Iran in 2018, during Donald Trump's first term as president.

China's president Xi Jinping will visit Russia from May 7-10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. Discussions between Xi and Putin will focus on strengthening their partnership and addressing international and regional issues. While Russia has declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, Zelensky has dismissed it as political theatre.

Xi Jinping visited Moscow for Victory Day amid Ukraine's accusations of Russia violating its declared truce with airstrikes. Putin and Xi affirmed their shared stance against what they perceive as historical distortions and "hegemonic bullying." Despite a ceasefire announcement, Ukraine reported immediate Russian attacks, while Zelenskyy condemned Moscow's commemorations as cynical and urged continued resistance.

Russia commemorates the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Young Russians participate in military-themed events. The kremlin uses Victory Day to shape national identity. Political scientists say the day has become a tool for mobilization. Parallels are drawn between the Soviet Union and present-day Russia. The commemorations aim to project Russia as a force for good.

President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin pledged deepened cooperation, aiming to counter US influence and establish a new world order. They emphasized strengthened ties, including military, and sought to resolve the Ukraine conflict by addressing its "root causes," echoing Russia's justification for the war. Xi's visit and joint statement provide Putin with crucial support amidst US pressure.

Vladimir Putin allowed cameras inside his Moscow residence. The footage shows lavish decor and personal spaces. It includes a sitting room, library, chapel, and gym. Putin shared moments in the kitchen and dining room. He discussed succession plans. The tour offers a glimpse into Putin's private life. This is one of several homes he has refurbished.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed a three-day truce ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin as theatrics but said Kyiv was ready for a full ceasefire. Some in Ukraine have criticised the truce as an attempt to prevent Kyiv from disrupting the World War II anniversary celebrations, with foreign leaders due in Moscow to watch a grand military parade on Red Square and an address by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A ceasefire in Ukraine must be implemented without pre-conditions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday, warning that Moscow would face more sanctions if it breached it. We stand ready to maintain strong pressure on Russia and impose further biting sanctions in the event of a breach of a ceasefire," said the commission president The kremlin has shown no signs of halting its invasion of Ukraine, despite US President Donald Trump pushing for a ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump has urged a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine's readiness for negotiations, contingent upon a complete ceasefire. This call coincides with the kremlin's symbolic three-day ceasefire for Russia’s Victory Day, which Ukraine has dismissed as insincere, citing past violations of similar agreements.

Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted Moscow airport operations for the third consecutive day as Russia prepared for its Victory Day parade. Aeroflot canceled over 100 flights, and many more were delayed. Simultaneously, Russia launched ballistic missiles and drones at Kyiv, resulting in casualties and damage to residential buildings, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with PM Modi, strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, emphasizing the need to bring perpetrators and supporters to justice. This endorsement of India's stance comes amid international calls for de-escalation. Putin accepted Modi's invitation to visit India for the annual summit, reaffirming the strength and resilience of the India-Russia strategic partnership.

Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted Moscow airport operations for the third consecutive day amidst preparations for the Victory Day parade. Aeroflot canceled over 100 flights, and numerous others were delayed. Simultaneously, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, resulting in casualties and damage to residential buildings, escalating tensions as foreign leaders arrived for the celebrations.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday criticised Russia's "historical lies" over the Ukraine war, as he marked the Nazi defeat that ended World War II in Europe 80 years ago. Russia has cast its three-year offensive against Ukraine as a fight against "neo-Nazis" and has channelled its own wartime legacy to try to justify the war.

Ekaterina Barabash, a pro-Ukrainian journalist, escaped house arrest in Russia with the help of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and fled to Paris. Facing up to 10 years in prison for criticizing the Russian army, Barabash denounced the lack of journalism and freedom of expression in Russia.

President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow underscores the deepening ties between China and Russia, highlighted by participation in the Victory Day parade. Discussions will encompass the Ukraine conflict and Russia-US relations, signaling a united front against unilateralism. This partnership, solidified by increased trade and military cooperation, is viewed with concern by the West amid ongoing tensions.