Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia from May 7 to 10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat, the Kremlin has announced. He will meet with President Vladimir Putin to strengthen strategic ties and sign bilateral agreements, Reuters reported.

Leaders from Brazil, Serbia, and Slovakia are also expected. Putin suggested a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine around May 9 Victory Day, but Ukrainian President Zelensky insisted on a 30-day truce, citing security concerns for visiting dignitaries. Zelensky also accused China of sending weapons to Russia, as stated by Reuters.

In a state media documentary, Putin hailed ties with China as "deep-seated" and "truly strategic".