Three-day ceasefire in Ukraine that was unilaterally declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin last month was set to come into effect at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday (midnight Moscow time), as Russia prepares to mark the anniversary of its World War II Victory Day on Friday.

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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unilateral order for a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine took effect Thursday, timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations. The Kremlin framed the move as a “test” of Kyiv’s willingness for peace,