Ukrainian drones target Moscow ahead of visit by China's Xi

Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for a third day on May 7, forcing most of the Russian capital's airports to close hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping was due to fly in for a pomp-filled visit that Kyiv has made clear it opposes.

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Mr. Xi, whose country buys more Russian oil and gas than any other, and which has thrown Moscow an economic lifeline that has helped it navigate Western sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine, is due to arrive on the evening of May 7.

When asked during a news briefing about air attacks by both sides on the two countries' capitals, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not comment on Mr. Xi's trip, saying only that the "top priority" was to avoid an escalation in tensions.

The Kremlin said the attempted Ukrainian attacks on Moscow showed Kyiv's tendency to commit "acts of terrorism" and that Russia's intelligence services and military were doing everything necessary to ensure the security of the upcoming anniversary commemorations.

Mr. Xi is the most powerful world leader expected to attend a military parade on Moscow's Red Square on May 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany.

His attendance hands President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost at a time when the Russian leader is keen to show his country is not isolated on the world stage.