Articles in this Cluster
09-05-2025
Vladimir Putin welcomed Xi Jinping to Russia, stating that together they counteract "modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism", a thinly veiled reference to Russia's war in Ukraine. Xi did not mention Ukraine but said China and Russia would work together to counter "unilateralism and bullying". Ukraine is furious over Xi's visit, accusing China of not being neutral in the war and potentially supplying Russia with weapons. Chinese troops will participate in a military parade on Red Square, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.
09-05-2025
Russia's proposed three-day ceasefire in Ukraine has had little impact on the ground, with soldiers and civilians reporting continued attacks and explosions in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian soldiers said Russia "can't be trusted" and that there was "no truce" as they continued to exchange fire with Russian forces. Civilians in the city of Dobropillya, near the front lines, also reported hearing the sounds of explosions and were skeptical of Russia's intentions, with one resident saying the ceasefire was "announced just to confuse people and deceive them." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia's unilateral ceasefire and instead called for a longer 30-day truce.
09-05-2025
Russia is preparing to celebrate Victory Day, marking 80 years since the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The event has seen dozens of world leaders attend, including China's President Xi Jinping, who signed over 20 "bilateral cooperation documents" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. CBS News was among the US outlets allowed to attend, reflecting the thawing of US-Russia relations under President Trump. Despite the celebrations, fighting continues in Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials reporting civilian casualties in a Russian drone and missile strike. Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, but it is expected to be temporary. Russian citizens expressed support for a ceasefire, but acknowledged that achieving peace is challenging.
09-05-2025
Ukraine claims Russia is continuing to attack across the entire front line despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's order for a three-day truce, calling it a "farce." Russia's defense ministry says it is observing the ceasefire but accuses Ukraine of violating it. The truce was ordered to coincide with a Victory Day parade in Moscow, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders. Ukraine's Foreign Minister said Russia carried out 734 ceasefire violations and 63 assault operations in the first 12 hours of the supposed truce.
09-05-2025
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for formal talks, with Xi pledging to stand by Russia against "power politics" and "bullying on the international stage," a veiled reference to the US, amid escalating trade tensions between the US and China under President Donald Trump. The two leaders met on the anniversary of Victory Day in Europe, marking the end of World War II, and also discussed strengthening their alliance and cooperation on issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, with both countries pledging to play a role in negotiations for a new nuclear agreement with Iran.
09-05-2025
Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of breaching a three-day ceasefire declared by Vladimir Putin to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Ukraine's foreign minister claimed Russia breached the truce 734 times, while Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine broke it 488 times. Ukraine never signed up to the ceasefire, calling it a "ruse" by Putin, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to observe a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US.
09-05-2025
European allies of Ukraine are nervously watching VE Day events in Red Square as they fear it could impact the delicate quest for peace in the Ukraine conflict. US President Donald Trump's patience with his proposed "peace deal" is wearing thin, and there were concerns he might punish Ukraine by withdrawing US military support. However, a recent minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine has temporarily assuaged Trump's desire for a deal, and he has approved $50m in arms sales to Ukraine. The situation remains tense, with a possible escalation if Russia breaks its declared ceasefire or if Ukraine launches a drone attack on Moscow during Victory Day.
