As Russian tanks, missiles and drones rumble through Red Square on Friday for the annual Victory Day parade celebrating the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany, President Vladimir Putin will be joined by at least two dozen world leaders, marking a victory of his own as a leader the West has sought to isolate.

A military parade has begun on Red Square in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II

Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two on Friday with a parade attended by China's Xi Jinping amid tight security to guard against Ukrainian attacks after three years of devastating war.

The vice president told the Munich Leaders Meeting that the U.S. wants to see Ukraine and Russia speak directly.

A European Commission spokesperson said on Wednesday that China continues to be the key enabler of Russia's war in Ukraine and that without China's support, Russia would not be able to wage the war to the same extent.

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Thursday for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, warning that Washington and its partners would impose further sanctions if the ceasefire is not respected.