Putin hosts Xi Jinping in Moscow ahead of Victory Day military parade

Описание: The period of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s unilateral Victory Day ceasefire is now active, although Ukraine said Moscow had already violated it within minutes of it coming into effect.

The 72-hour Russian ceasefire, coinciding with celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany, began at midnight Moscow time (9pm GMT).

Ukraine has made no promises to abide by the Kremlin's ceasefire, saying it is a farce by Mr Putin to create the impression he wants to end the war.

Despite the start of the so-called truce, Russian aircraft launched guided bombs on Ukraine’s Sumy region twice in the early hours of Thursday, Ukraine's air force said.

In Moscow a huge military parade is set to take place this Friday and a number of world leaders, including Chinese president Xi Jinping as “guest of honour”, have already arrived in the Russian capital.

It comes after Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine claimed Kyiv is prepared to accept a 30-kilometre demilitarised zone with Russia.


Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded.

Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent

Find us on social:
TikTok /   / independent  
Instagram /   / the.independent  
X (Twitter) /   / independent  
Facebook /   / theindependentonline  

Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh
Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x

Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations