Russia marks on Friday the 80th anniversary of the Soviet and allied victory over Nazi Germany, though there are fears that Ukraine may seek to disrupt the most hallowed celebration in the Russian calendar.

Vladimir Putin has announced another temporary suspension of military activities. The Kremlin warns Ukraine of an "appropriate response" if the unilateral "ceasefire" declared by the Russian leader on the occasion of Victory Day is violated.

Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the Trump administration believes Russia is "asking for too much" during talks to bring its war in Ukraine to an end.

Vice President JD Vance told attendees of a security conference that the U.S. wants Russian and Ukraine to hold direct talks about ending war.

By Andrew Osborn and Laurie Chen (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping flew into Moscow on Wednesday for talks with President Vladimir Putin and a pomp-filled visit that Kyiv has made clear it opposes after Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow shortly before he touched down.

The Trump administration has said it wants to pull apart Russia and China, but the two countries need each other too much.

Ukraine attacked Moscow with drones for a third day on Wednesday forcing most of the Russian capital's airports to close just as Chinese President Xi Jinping was due to arrive to mark the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Former US President Joe Biden has described his successor Donald Trump’s stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine as a modern form of appeasement, warning that this could encourage other European countries to begin making concessions to Russia.

Former President Joe Biden has accused the Trump administration of "modern-day appeasement" in its dealings with Vladimir Putin.

Former President Joe Biden accused President Donald Trump of 'modern-day appeasement' of Russia in peace talks with Ukraine, in an interview with BBC.