Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host 29 world leaders to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Most of the Russian capital’s airports were forced to close and remained out of action last night – shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping was due to arrive, in a diplomacy act to deepen their ties.
What is Putin’s Victory Parade?
Military units from 13 countries, including China, will take part in the parade marking the victory over Nazi Germany.
Xi is due to start a four-day visit to Russia today, giving Putin an important diplomatic boost at a time when the Russian leader is keen to show his country is not isolated on the world stage.
It will be the Chinese leader’s third visit to Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
But Putin’s parade plans have already been disrupted by Kyiv’s military efforts.
One target hit by Ukrainian drones was Kubinka military airfield, west of the city, used for aircraft taking part in the scheduled Red Square flypast.
