United Russia swept 57.5% of the vote, poised to retain control of the Russian parliament amid escalating warfare near the capital after Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drone attacks on Russia.

The global diplomatic spotlight is on Putin as he prepares to land in Beijing on May 19-20, immediately after Trump concludes bilateral talks with China, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Russia-China Treaty of Friendship.

Russia confirms that Putin is preparing for another visit to China soon, stating that all preparations are complete.

Vladimir Putin stated that the Russo-Ukraine war “is coming to an end,” opening the door for new European security talks and citing former German Chancellor as a desired negotiating partner, while Russia held a scaled-down Victory Day celebration. 

Putin affirmed his readiness to immediately cease hostilities if long-term security is guaranteed, but reiterated his demands on Ukraine within the original framework.

Putin has ordered the Russian Cabinet to complete an action plan for extracting rare earth minerals by the end of this year, and has also assigned the development of a transportation network connecting the China-North Korea border.

Trump is set to open peace talks with Putin and may hold a trilateral meeting with Zelensky, while giving Russia a two-day deadline to accept a ceasefire offer.

"Trump" sets 12-day deadline for "Russia" to end war in Ukraine, threatens to use sanctions and secondary taxes, and clearly announces no more negotiations with Putin