Russian forces marched in Moscow's Red Square during May 9 Victory Day events, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. One day earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a three-day cease-fire starting on May 9.

Iran blamed the United States for a recent escalation of skirmishes in the Persian Gulf as Washington awaits a response from Tehran over the latest proposal to end their war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he thought the conflict with Ukraine is "coming to an end," but stressed that he would meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only once a final peace deal has been agreed.