In exchange for weapons and manpower, Pyongyang is believed to have received hard currency, energy supplies and critical military technologies, helping the regime bypass international sanctions.

The new measures target 49 employees of the Social Design Agency, a group already under Western sanctions for alleged election interference.

Vladimir Putin has proposed German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible negotiator in talks with the European Union.

Ukrainian air force data showed a decrease in long-range Russian drone strikes compared to before the truce, but officials reported casualties nonetheless.

Yet despite a scaled-down military parade, thousands marched in the Immortal Regiment.

"I firmly believe that our cause is just," he said as Russia marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.

Local media described the march as a first for the annual celebrations marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

More than 80 years after they occurred, the events of World War II are still hotly debated in Russia and Poland.

"I firmly believe that our cause is just," he said as Russia marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.

Events are set to be scaled back amid security fears and signs of fatigue over the more than four-year war on Ukraine.

The deal, which Trump first announced on Truth Social, will pause fighting from May 9 through May 11 and include a prisoner swap.

Sokurov had been slated to speak at a pre-opening event at the Venice Biennale titled “Dissent and Peace” this week, but organizers scrapped his appearance, citing “last-minute unavailability.”