Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. is working toward a "long-term settlement" to end Russia's war with Ukraine.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer will meet China's top economic official He Lifeng in Switzerland this weekend for talks, U.S. and Chinese officials said, in what could be a first step toward resolving a trade war disrupting the global economy.

With the President intent on delivering a speedy end to the war, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky are competing to make each other the subject of his ire.

Russia marks on Friday the 80th anniversary of the Soviet and allied victory over Nazi Germany, though there are fears that Ukraine may seek to disrupt the most hallowed celebration in the Russian calendar.

The attacks came a day before a Russian-proposed cease-fire was to take effect and as Moscow prepared to welcome foreign dignitaries for a parade.

At least two people have reportedly been killed after a night of heavy fighting between Ukraine and Russia - with drone strikes on Kyiv and Moscow. The fighting comes a day ahead of a planned parade in the Russian capital to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two - with President Vladimir Putin proposing a three-day ceasefire to coincide with the event.