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North County Transit District

We move people.

Since our inception in 1975, NCTD has been helping people get where they need to be. By providing public transportation for North San Diego County, we are able to serve more than 10 million passengers every year.

COASTER and SPRINTER

Explore world-famous destinations including the coast, theme parks, breweries and much more wile you cruise past traffic.

The COASTER offers the most scenic ride up and down San Diego's beautiful coastline. From the double-decker cars, you'll view the ocean, spot a dolphin or two if you're lucky, and take in spectacular sunsets, without any of the stress of driving. The COASTER operates north and south between downtown San Diego and Oceanside serving eight stations along the line. With over 40 trains Monday - Sunday, it is a great way to visit the beaches, restaurants, wineries, breweries, art galleries, boutiques, theaters, concert venues, and more along the coast. Children 6 and under are free with a paying adult. Amenities like free Wi-Fi in each car make the COASTER your best choice to reach some of the area's premium attractions. Whether you are going to the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Races, Legoland, the Belly Up nightclub, the Lumberyard in Encinitas or the Oceanside Pier, the COASTER is the better, faster, cheaper way to get there.

Buy tickets online or with NCTD's new mobile ticketing app available for Android and iPhone. Round-trip between Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego and Oceanside is just $13.

The SPRINTER light rail will take you east and west from Oceanside to Escondido. The modern, clean, sleek, light rail whisks you past the traffic on congested Hwy.78 stopping at 15 stations in Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido. The SPRINTER runs every 30 minutes in each direction, Monday-Friday from approximately 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Trains on Friday and Saturday run later.

Great destinations along the SPRINTER line include; Oceanside Pier, Oceanside Museum of Art, California Surf Museum, Vista Village with its micro-breweries and wineries, theaters, restaurants, and shops, Cal State University San Marcos, Palomar College, San Marcos Civic Center, and world-famous Stone Brewing, Co. Hop on the SPRINTER for just $2 each way.

Download our mobile ticketing application at Google Play and Apple's App Store for paperless ticketing, schedule information, real-time arrival information and more.

Neighborhood: North Coastal

Contact info.

(760) 966-6500 [email protected]

Oceanside Transit Center Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Vista Transit Center Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Escondido Transit Center Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

• 8 stations between San Diego and Oceanside
• Free Wi-Fi in every car
• 46 departures a week
• Children 5 and under are free with a paying adult
• Connects passengers to popular tourist destinations such as Santa Fe Depot
• 15 stations between Oceanside and Escondido
• Sleek, modern, light rail
• Trains run every 30 minutes in each direction
• SPRINTER provides quick routes to CSU San Marcos, Mira Costa and Palomar College

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Pronto - San Diego 4+

North county transit district, san diego metropolitan transit system, designed for iphone.

• #163 in Travel
• 4.6 • 20.8K Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

PRONTO makes buying fares for MTS and NCTD easier than ever. Add money to your PRONTO app, then scan your phone at the validator each trip you make. Our pay-as-you-go function means you always get the best fare! When using the app, hold your phone 5 to 6 inches below the validator to scan your barcode. The PRONTO app can also help you plan trips, see real-time arrivals, get service statuses, save favorite stations, and find stops for San Diego County area transit so you can plan your trip around San Diego without any problems. Always Get The Best Fare With PRONTO, you can pay-as-you-go* by adding money to your PRONTO account with a credit or debit card. Every time you scan your app, the appropriate one-way fare is deducted from your balance. Look for validators at Trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER stations, and onboard buses. You will never be charged more than a Day Pass ($6 Adult or $3 Reduced Fare) in a given calendar day, regardless of how many trips you make. Likewise, you will never be charged more than a Month Pass ($72 Adult or $23 Reduced Fare) regardless of the number of trips in a calendar month. You can track your progress toward a Day or Month Pass in the PRONTO app. *Pay-as-you go features not available for COASTER (must prepay for Day or Month Pass). Manage Your PRONTO Cards • Register your PRONTO card for balance protection • Load money onto your card using a debit/credit card • Set up autoload to top off your card automatically when your balance gets low • See your balance, current fare, and earned passes • Look up your recent scans, transfer times, and payment history • Manage multiple PRONTO cards for your family or group • Block/Unblock a lost or stolen card Next Departures: • Find Next Departures using stop number, address or landmarks • See real-time bus and train service statuses and news • Map and List view of Nearby Stops • List of recent stops and favorites Trip Planning: • Plan a trip using popular landmarks or addresses • Full trip itineraries with fare information, actual walking distance, and map view • Set alerts to notify you when transit is arriving • See a list of recent trip plans • Save favorite stops for easy access Need More Help? Contact PRONTO Support at 619-595-5636

Version 4.084

Miscellaneous bug fixes and improvements

Ratings and Reviews

20.8K Ratings

Visiting San Diego

I was visiting SD for the month of September without a car! Female traveling alone and needed transportation. I cannot say enough good things about your MTS service!!!! I purchased a month long pass and was able to get any and everywhere in SD! However I could not have done it without the help of all your outstanding bus drivers helping me along the way, figuring out how to get me to from point A to B! Each one that I would ask a question to was always very helpful and knowledgeable! My main route was always starting out on the #11 going both ways either towards SDSU and connecting to the #2 or heading towards downtown to connect to the #10 , 7! Can’t forget about the trolley or the light rail as I like to call it! Having the app made everything easier! The feature of the trip planner is the best ever! Your bus drivers are very hard working individuals! I was amazed at all they have to do! They have to be physically in shape , the stress of it all! I love they get to take a break at certain times! The City of San Diego should be very proud of your public transportation services! I am from Kansas City, MO…. I have not been on a public transportation service since I was in high school but know your city should be proud of the type of service you provide! Thank you for helping me see your big beautiful city! !!!!!

My Pronto Experience…

I love the Pronto pass. I’m haven’t been a “bus/trolley” user, ever, for several reasons… 1) I absolutely hate buying a bus pass due to my influx of using my personal car for transportation. 2) The fact that your bus pass doesn’t roll-over if not used w/in the 30days (the month) it was purchased irritated me because I’d end up wasting or throwing away my “unused” portion (had I used my personal car). 3) Your bus pass is/was always too expensive for me to purchase (I believe it was or is approx $70). The Pronto Pass I downloaded on my phone and, at my convenience, I can load whatever amount I can afford at a specific time. See that’s important to me because I have limited funds. I find the Pronto Pass is allowing me the freedom to choose wether or not I take the bus/trolley and not worry about losing money because I chose another mode of transportation. And, that freedom, alone, is opening up my, otherwise, negative opinions of public transportation. I hope I conveyed my point, really not sure if I did but one thing is sure…I love the Pronto Pass!! Keep it going it works for me!!! Respectfully, Sheila C OMG I’m having a difficult time sending this review because of this Nickname crap!! I’ll try one more time…

Unreliable & clunky

Just missed the bus because I couldn’t reload money. Got an API key error - obviously some problems in the backend of this app. Tried restarting app, same error. Tried deleting and re-adding my credit card - a new error indicating broken implementation on backend. I can get over the ugly UI…but backend errors for an app that thousands of people depend on for daily commutes are pretty inexcusable. I can afford to be late today, but I feel bad for those who cannot. Guess QA and testing for this app are as high a funding priority as fixing our roads and making bike lanes safer. Finally, where is the long-overdue Apple transit/Apple Pay implementation? The ROI will be significant. Almost every stop, the buses are stopped a minute or more as people fumble around with their pronto pass. Best part of Apple Pay/Google pay: no need to get an unreliable app with a pass that doesn’t work, or wait in long lines at kiosks that are vandalized and barely functional. Lack of investment in this regard accumulates in wasted time and fuel and ultimately lost revenue when drivers get fed up and wave passengers on board. MTS: get with the times! Your fare collection methods are slightly better than before, but still lagging 10 years behind.

App Privacy

The developer, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Contact Info

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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Get all of your passes, tickets, cards, and more in one place.

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NCTD (San Diego)

Welcome, NCTD riders. Scroll down to find key information about all NCTD transit options in the San Diego area, like NCTD schedules, maps, and next departures. You'll find more complete information about NCTD and other transportation options in the San Diego area in our app .

NCTD Commuter Rail

• COASTER Coaster

NCTD Light Rail

• SPRINTER Sprinter
• 101 Oceanside - UTC / VA / UCSD
• 302 Oceanside - Vista via Vista Way
• 303 Oceanside - Vista via Mission Av
• 304 Encinitas - Palomar College
• 305 Vista - Escondido
• 306 Vista - Fallbrook
• 308 Escondido - Solana Beach
• 309 Town Center North - Encinitas via ECR
• 311 East Oceanside
• 313 Oceanside TC - Town Center North
• 315 Coll Bl Sprinter Sta - 22 Area via Vandegrift
• 318 Oceanside TC - Vista TC via Oceanside Blvd
• 323 College Sprinter - Quarry Creek
• 325 Carlsbad Village - College Sprinter
• 332 Vista TC - Buena Creek Station
• 334 Vista Circulator
• 347 CSUSM to PCTC
• 350 BREEZE Rapid: ETC - Del Lago TC
• 351 Escondido Circulator (CCW)
• 352 Midway & Washington (Clock)
• 353 Escondido to Nordahl Market Pl via Citracado
• 354 Escondido TC - Orange Glen High School
• 355 N. Broadway to El Norte Parkway
• 356 Morningview & Escondido Blvd (Clock)
• 357 Valley Parkway to El Norte Parkway
• 358 Escondido Country Club (Clock)
• 359 Escondido Country Club (Counter)
• 371 Escondido - Ramona
• 388 Escondido - Pala
• 392 Oceanside TC - 14 Area
• 395 Oceanside TC - Camp San Onofre
• 444 Poinsettia Sta Coaster Conx - Faraday
• 445 Poinsettia - Palomar College via PAR
• 471 Sorrento Valley East Coaster Connection
• 472 Sorrento Mesa Coaster Connection
• 473 Carroll Canyon Coaster Connection
• 478 Torrey Pines Coaster Connection
• 479 Univ City and UCSD Coaster Connection
• 604 Encinitas - San Marcos
• 608 Escondido TC - Del Lago Academy
• 609 Encinitas Station - Sage Creek HS
• 623 College Sprinter - Sage Creek HS
• 632 Vista TC - Rancho Buena Vista HS
• 634 Monte Vista - Rancho Minerva MS
• 645 San Marcos HS - Palomar College
• 651 Escondido Circulator - Orange Glen HS
• 652 Midway & Washington - Orange Glen HS

NCTD is a public transportation provider that serves the San Diego area. NCTD operates the following transit modes across the San Diego area: Bus, Commuter Rail and Light Rail. In total, NCTD operates 47 Bus lines, 1 Commuter Rail line and 1 Light Rail line. NCTD serves 1,838 stops or stations in the San Diego area.

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North County Transit District-Bus

Oceanside - vista via mission av, north county transit district-bus 303 bus route map - oceanside.

North County Transit District-Bus 303 bus Route Schedule and Stops (Updated)

The 303 bus (Oceanside) has 43 stops departing from Vista Transit Center and ending at Oceanside Transit Center.

Choose any of the 303 bus stops below to find updated real-time schedules and to see their route map.

View on Map

Direction: Oceanside (43 stops)

Vista transit center, n santa fe av & orange st, n santa fe av & california av, n santa fe av & townsite dr, n santa fe av & east dr, n santa fe av & cananea st, n santa fe av & bobier dr, n santa fe av & angeles vista dr, n santa fe av & taylor st, n santa fe av & paseo marguerita, n santa fe av & melrose dr (2465), n santa fe av & darwin dr, n santa fe av & champlain st, n santa fe av & guajome park, n santa fe av & mesa dr, n santa fe av & alamosa park dr, town center north & walmart, college blvd & via cupeno, college blvd & adams st, n river rd & college blvd, san luis rey transit center, n river rd & redondo dr, n river rd & calle montecito, n river rd & avenida descanso, n river rd & festival dr, douglas dr & n river rd, douglas dr & pala rd, douglas dr & country villas apts, douglas dr & el camino real, mission av & el camino real, mission av & fireside st, mission av & frontier dr, mission av & foussat rd, mission av & roymar rd, mission av & airport rd, mission av & amick st, mission av & carey rd, mission av & canyon dr, mission av & san diego st, mission av & clementine st, mission av & ditmar st, oceanside transit center, what time does the 303 bus start operating.

Services on the 303 bus start at 4:05 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

What time does the 303 bus stop working?

Services on the 303 bus stop at 10:06 PM on Sunday, Monday, Saturday.

What time does the 303 bus arrive?

When does the Oceanside - Vista via Mission Av Bus line come? Check Live Arrival Times for live arrival times and to see the full schedule for the Oceanside - Vista via Mission Av Bus line that is closest to your location.

Does the North County Transit District-Bus 303 bus line run on Memorial Day?

The 303 bus's operating hours on Memorial Day may change. Check the Moovit app for latest changes and live updates.

Is there a 303 bus stop near me?

Click here to view the nearest 303 bus stop.

303 bus Schedule

303 bus route operates everyday. Regular schedule hours: 4:05 AM - 10:08 PM

North County Transit District-Bus Service Alerts

See all updates on 303 (from Vista Transit Center), including real-time status info, bus delays, changes of routes, changes of stops locations, and any other service changes. Get a real-time map view of 303 (Oceanside) and track the bus as it moves on the map. Download the app for all North County Transit District-Bus info now.

303 line bus fare

North County Transit District-Bus 303 (Oceanside) prices may change based on several factors. For more information about North County Transit District-Bus tickets costs please check the Moovit app or North County Transit District-Bus’s official website.

303 (North County Transit District-Bus)

The first stop of the 303 bus route is Vista Transit Center and the last stop is Oceanside Transit Center. 303 (Oceanside) is operational during everyday. Additional information: 303 has 43 stops and the total trip duration for this route is approximately 64 minutes.

On the go? See why over 1.5 million users trust Moovit as the best public transit app. Moovit gives you North County Transit District-Bus suggested routes, real-time bus tracker, live directions, line route maps in San Diego, and helps to find the closest 303 bus stops near you. No internet available? Download an offline PDF map and bus schedule for the 303 bus to take on your trip.

303 near me

Line 303 Real Time Bus Tracker

Track line 303 (Oceanside) on a live map in real time and follow its location as it moves between stations. Use Moovit as a line 303 bus tracker or a live North County Transit District-Bus bus tracker app and never miss your bus.

Use the app as a trip planner for North County Transit District-Bus or a trip planner for Cable Car, Light Rail, Train, Bus or Ferry to plan your route around San Diego. The trip planner shows updated data for North County Transit District-Bus and any bus, including line 303, in San Diego

303 - Alternative Directions

• 303 - Town Center / Schedule
• 303 - Vista / Schedule

North County Transit District-Bus Lines in San Diego

• 315 - College Bl Sprinter Sta - 22 Area via Vandegrift / Schedule
• 309 - Town Center North - Encinitas via ECR / Schedule
• 350 - BREEZE Rapid: ETC - Del Lago TC / Schedule
• 632 - Vista TC - Rancho Buena Vista HS / Schedule
• 652 - Midway & Washington - Orange Glen HS / Schedule
• 334 - Vista Circulator / Schedule
• 634 - Monte Vista - Rancho Minerva MS / Schedule
• 651 - Escondido Circulator - Orange Glen HS / Schedule
• 305 - Vista - Escondido / Schedule
• 388 - Escondido - Pala / Schedule
• 357 - Valley Parkway to El Norte Parkway / Schedule
• 608 - Escondido TC - Del Lago Academy / Schedule
• 371 - Escondido - Ramona / Schedule
• 306 - Vista - Fallbrook / Schedule
• 323 - College Sprinter - Quarry Creek / Schedule
• 311 - East Oceanside / Schedule
• 354 - Escondido TC - Orange Glen High School / Schedule
• 304 - Encinitas - Palomar College / Schedule
• 332 - Vista TC - Buena Creek Station / Schedule
• 604 - Encinitas - San Marcos / Schedule
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Translation Disclaimer

Select a language using the Google Translate feature to change the text on this site into other languages. *We cannot guarantee the accuracy any information translated through Google Translate. This translation feature is offered as an additional resource for information. If information is needed in another language, contact (760) 966-6500 . Si necesita información en otro idioma, comuníquese al (760) 966-6500 . 如果需要其他语种的信息，请致电 (760) 966-6500 。 如需其他語言版本的資訊，請致電 (760) 966-6500 。 Nếu cần thông tin bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin liên hệ số (760) 966-6500 . Kung kailangan ang impormasyon sa ibang wika, makipag-ugnayan sa (760) 966-6500 . 정보가 다른 언어로 필요하시다면 760-966-6500 로 문의해 주십시오.

Real-Time Updates

Find your bus/train in real-time.

NCTD now provides real-time arrival information for all BREEZE buses and SPRINTER and COASTER trains. Select your route and stop/station below to get real-time arrival information.

TIP!  Since real-time arrival is based on current bus/train location, real-time displayed may change depending on traffic conditions.

Transit Mobile App

If you are out and about, and want a mobile app to check the status of your favorite bus route or need step-by-step directions to get somewhere new, NCTD and the Transit app have you covered. Download the Transit app ( Apple | Android ) to know where your NCTD bus or train is at all times.

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The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more.

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Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.

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A Gentleman in Moscow – Triumph over Adversity

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A Gentleman In Moscow Cast & Character Guide

Ewan mcgregor's historical drama weirdly copies his 2022 star wars show, the deeper meaning behind a gentleman in moscow episode 3's bees.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the finale of A Gentleman in Moscow.

• Count Rostov finds family, love, and purpose in his confinement at the Metropol Hotel, despite his initial imprisonment.
• The ending of A Gentleman in Moscow remains ambiguous, leaving Alexander's fate open to interpretation.
• Love and sacrifice are the central themes of the show, as Alexander risks everything to ensure the safety and happiness of his found family.

The ending of A Gentleman in Moscow brings with it the conclusion of Alexander Rostov's story, with his 35-year stretch of imprisonment inside Moscow's Metropol Hotel coming to a halt. After returning home from Paris in 1918 to save his grandmother from the violence of Russia's Bolshevik revolution , Count Rostov is sentenced to life imprisonment for his status as a member of the nation's ruling class. However, instead of being locked in a prison cell, Ewan McGregor's character is confined to the walls of a luxury hotel in the nation's capital.

Alexander's is spared execution, unlike so many of his other social peers. The reason for the leniency is Alexander being incorrectly credited with a poem titled "Where is our Purpose Now?" The literary work, actually written in 1913 by Alexander's old friend, Mishka, was partially credited as inciting the Revolution. The count manages to carve out some level of existence for himself at the Metropol , with the novelty of his situation quickly wearing off. Along the way, Alexander Rostov finds the family he'd never had before, giving a man who'd lost everything something else to lose.

The Paramount/Showtime limited series A Gentleman in Moscow is led by Golden Globe and Emmy winner Ewan McGregor and his wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

What Happens To Alexander Rostov After He Leaves The Metropol Hotel Explained

The post-escape fate of mcgregor's character is unknown.

At the end of A Gentleman in Moscow episode 8, "Adieu," Alexander dons his hat and strolls through the doors of the Metropol Hotel. After all the phones in the building ring at once as Richard Vanderwhile's signal that Sofia is safe, Alexander can depart while knowing his surrogate daughter is in trusted hands. While Alexander is shown successfully leaving the building , the other side of the door isn't shown, so it's impossible to confirm what happens to the Count after this scene. Even the show's narrator, an older Sofia, confirms that she never knew what her father did next.

"I discovered that Papa had escaped the hotel, but what happened after remains a mystery. I like to imagine [Alexander and Anna] finally free, living out the rest of their lives together. They gave me the greatest gift of life. I'll keep them in my heart. Always. "

The sequence that's shown of Alexander's reunion with Anna in "Adieu" is shot in the same 4:3 aspect ratio as A Gentleman in Moscow 's flashbacks sequences, which were often from Count Rostov's point of view. However, as Sofia confirms that she never saw her parents again , this particular scene can't be a memory. Instead, what's being shown is Sofia's imaginings, dreaming of the two people who risked so much to save her enjoying a well-deserved, peaceful life.

Alexander does still have his stolen Finnish passport when he leaves the hotel, so it is possible he was able to flee the country and reunite with Anna.

The black apples shown during this scene are another sign that it's nothing more than Sofia's fantasy . Earlier in the same episode, Alexander tells the Metropol staff of an old legend from when he was growing up. The story tells of a tree hidden deep in the woods, bearing " Apples as black as coal ." If a person found and ate the apples, they would have the chance to live their life anew. Alexander immediately adds that he wouldn't eat the apples if he were to find them today, as despite his tumultuous life, it's a journey he doesn't regret.

Alexander is never shown telling Sofia this same story, but the presence of the black apples in the story's closing sequence suggests that he did share the tale with her at some point.

How & Why Sofia Flees Russia At The End Of A Gentleman In Moscow

Sofia's one-way trip to america took careful planning.

Despite being a staunch patriot, Alexander is still of the opinion that Sofia would have a better life in America than she would if she were to stay in Russia. Thankfully, Alexander's spying on the country's top brass in A Gentleman in Moscow episode 7 , "An Assembly," also presents an opportunity for McGregor's character to send his daughter to safety. The scheme is carried out in collaboration with Alexander's American ally , Richard Vanderwhile, who plans the operation for them.

Only Sofia is granted asylum by the Americans, with Alexander telling his daughter that the request for himself and Anna to receive the same treatment was simply too much to ask.

With the recordings from the meeting in her possession, Sofia heads to Paris as part of a musical tour. After performing, she cuts her hair short and changes her clothes to blend in with the crowd and leaves without being spotted. The powers that be grow wise to her scheme, as they move her performance slot from before the interval to the penultimate position in the running order. Thankfully, Sofia still has just enough time and barely manages to avoid being detected. After arriving at the American embassy in Paris, Vanderwhile arranges for Sofia to be flown to the USA .

Where Alexander Rostov Stands With Osip Glebnikov At The End Of A Gentleman In Moscow

Alexander & osip exchange declarations of friendship.

Alexander's relationship with Osip Glebnikov is intentionally unclear throughout A Gentleman in Moscow . Although Osip is essentially responsible for making sure Alexander doesn't break the terms of his sentence by leaving the Metropol, Alexander's jailer chooses to spend more time with his prisoner than is necessary for him to perform his duties. They engage in etiquette lessons, debates about literature, and even start to watch movies together. However, it mostly seems as though Osip is forcing the interactions to take place. Despite the ambiguity of their arrangement, Osip admits in the finale that he values their relationship .

The story of Ewan McGregor's Alexander Rostov from A Gentleman in Moscow shares some strong parallels to that of the actor's Star Wars character.

While warning McGregor's character of the danger Sofia is in - and by extension, Alexander himself - Osip says, " I like you, Alexander. I think of you as a friend ." The count replies in his signature guarded style: " As do I you, in a manner of speaking ." Osip may not have been the most valued figure to Alexander in his day-to-day life, but their friendship offered both men a different perspective. In addition, Osip also assisted Alexander return to the Metropol undetected following Sofia's trip to the hospital - an act that could have had both characters severely punished, if not killed.

Osip is also instrumental in making sure Anna departs for Finland without Alexander. By the time of "Adieu," Osip's wife and daughter are dead. So, Osip wants to make sure Alexander's family doesn't suffer the same fate.

Did Alexander Leave Manager Leplevsky To Die?

Alexander finally takes the revenge he's been trying to avoid.

Leplevsky is the biggest villain throughout the story of A Gentleman in Moscow , with Alexander's life at the Metropol Hotel becoming more difficult as his nemesis rises through the ranks. With Alexander's planned departure from the hotel imminent, it initially seems as though he's willing to let bygones be bygones and spare Leplevsky any acts of revenge. Unfortunately for the hotel manager, his last-minute discovery of Alexander's plan to escape results in McGregor needing to take action .

After arming himself with the dueling pistols from the manager's office, Alexander chains up Leplevsky in the bowels of the Metropol Hotel.

After arming himself with the dueling pistols from the manager's office, Alexander chains up Leplevsky in the bowels of the Metropol Hotel. At the same time, he incinerates the files the manager had been collating about the hotel's staff - Alexander and Sofia included. Leplevsky begs to be set free as Alexander departs , with the exchange between the two adversaries suggesting it would be a while before anyone finds the trapped hotel boss. So, while Alexander doesn't directly murder Manager Leplevsky, he could still be responsible for his death.

How Alexander's Imprisonment In The Metropol Hotel Was The Beginning Of His Life (Not The End)

Alexander rostov's personal life somehow flourished at the metropol.

When Alexander was sentenced to life imprisonment, he was in his early thirties. His only surviving family member was his grandmother, whom he had helped escape the country four years previously. In addition, he was estranged from Mishka - his oldest friend. Alexander had never married, nor fathered any children. Despite his life of wealth and privilege that had preceded his incarceration, he was deeply alone. Somewhat surprisingly, Alexander's decades trapped in the Metropol led to some of the most important relationships in his life .

Despite the early trauma of seeing Prince Nikolai being dragged out of the hotel to be shot in the street in A Gentleman in Moscow episode 1 , Alexander went on to hit a rich vein of social bonds. His friendship with Nina was vital during the early stages of his sentence, and although the pair struggled to stay on the same political wavelengths at times, their special relationship weathered the storm. Alexander also eventually managed to build bridges with Mishka .

Eventually, Alexander's on-and-off romantic dynamic with Anna Urbanova solidified into a solid foundation of love and trust, with the pair essentially becoming joint parents to Sofia.

If Alexander was a father figure to Nina, then he was essentially a grandfather in his role as generational caretaker when Sofia was left in the count's care. Alexander raised Sofia as his own , while making sure she never forgot her birth mother. Eventually, Alexander's on-and-off romantic dynamic with Anna Urbanova solidified into a solid foundation of love and trust, with the pair essentially becoming joint parents to Sofia. As a result, Alexander hit several milestones during his imprisonment that he either neglected or failed to achieve while he was a free man.

The Real Meaning Of A Gentleman In Moscow's Ending

Alexander's unconfirmed destiny compounds the story of love and loss.

A Gentleman in Moscow , like so many other stories, is about love. However, the show's theme of love is also tied into the concept of loss, and how the two interact with one another. The love that Alexander Rostov has for Anna and Sofia results in him putting their safety first , ensuring they are away from the Metropol Hotel and safely on their respective ways to their new homes at the time of him making his escape attempt.

Alexander Rostov's journey in A Gentleman in Moscow has been full of twists and turns, but the bees in episode 3 serve as a brilliant metaphor.

Alexander is fully aware of the risks to himself, Anna, and Sofia that their plan presents. Still, the love he has for his found family makes him willing to put himself in harm's way if it means there's a chance of a better tomorrow for the daughter he cherishes and the woman he loves. Osip acts in a similar vein by helping Alexander. Despite losing his wife and daughter, Osip chooses not to let his grief turn him bitter and instead makes sure Alexander doesn't suffer the same heartbreak.

Sofia's fantasy of her parents living out their days together is about as perfect an ending as the show can expect, with the unconfirmed nature of the scenario contributing to the dark beauty of the story's conclusion.

Sofia's fantasy of her parents living out their days together is about as perfect an ending as the show can expect , with the unconfirmed nature of the scenario contributing to the dark beauty of the story's conclusion. The trio would never have had the life they'd wanted in the building that brought the three of them together. Knowing this, they give their best effort to free themselves of the restrictions imposed upon them by Alexander's prison sentence. A Gentleman in Moscow 's final episode perfectly encapsulates the tale's message of sacrifice in the name of love.

All episodes of A Gentleman in Moscow are available to stream on Paramount+.

A Gentleman in Moscow

Based on the novel by Amor Towles, A Gentleman in Moscow is a historical dramatic-thriller created by Ben Vanstone for Paramount+ and Showtime. Following the advent of the Russian Revolution, Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is forced to spend several decades locked away in a hotel room and watch as the country around him transforms.

Opinion: Putin's China visit was another battle in Russia's war of economic endurance

R ussian President Vladimir Putin sent a clear signal to the West last week: China stands firmly behind Russia. Putin made his first foreign trip since his inauguration to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping on May 16. The visit came after a cabinet reshuffle in Russia the week prior, the most significant move of which saw Russian economist Andrei Belousov replace Sergei Shoigu as Russian defense minister.

Belousov's appointment signals that Putin now views the outcome of the war against Ukraine as being determined by which side can mobilize the most resources in a longer run battle of economic endurance. Putin's trip to Beijing signals that Putin is lining up the external component, with economic backing from China.

Putin has a point in thinking that Russia's war against Ukraine will be determined by which side can outspend the other. At face value, one might think that Russia has little chance given its $1.8 trillion GDP is set against the West's $40 trillion plus. Add in China's $17 trillion powerhouse economy and the balance of economies begins to look a little different.

Unfortunately, the West appears not to have realized that the war is now all about economy and resources. The data shows that Ukraine is being under-financed and under-resourced . Annual Western support to Ukraine is running at around $100 billion per year – enough for Kyiv to hold the line, but not to push Russia back (as evidenced by recent weeks in Ukraine's Donetsk and Kharkiv oblasts).

Read also: The Counteroffensive: Cutting-edge Ukrainian fashion goes beyond vyshyvankas

And with U.S. support delayed by Congress, Western support for Ukraine has ebbed and flowed. It peaked at around $8.5 billion in the first half of 2023 to coincide with the much-touted Ukrainian counteroffensive , but then dropped back to just $3.7 billion per month between October 2023 to February 2024. This decline in Western funding came in parallel to Ukraine being pushed onto the back foot in its defense against Russia. No surprises there.

Western funding to Ukraine is insufficient, poorly coordinated, and lacks long-term plan or strategy. It's ad hoc, drip fed. There is no comprehensive long-run funding strategy for Ukraine, and particularly not for a scenario where Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election . Putin has, by contrast, tried to deliver that long-term war resourcing vision for Russia. It's sad that the West does not really comprehend what's at stake here.

Fortunately, China's support for Russia is hardly wholehearted. China is not providing direct military support and only giving limited equipment and munitions – hence Russia's reliance on Iran and North Korea . Why isn't China going all in?

Essentially, China isn't eager to damage its pre-eminent global relationship with the U.S. It isn't eager to intensify the trade war, and it's mindful of avoiding heavy Western sanctions . So while Moscow might view China as its main international counterparty, the feeling is not really reciprocated by Beijing. While Russia is useful to China for sure, it's something of a bit player for now.

China is instead trying to toe a line between Russia and the U.S. Where it can, Beijing is taking advantage of Moscow's weakness and increased dependency to buy cut-price Russian commodities, diverted from traditional markets for Russia in Europe, and increasingly selling non-military exports to Russia at top dollar – or Yuan. As a result, bilateral trade between China and Russia increased by around a quarter in 2023 to a record $240 billion – the balance being to China's advantage.

The West has been nervous about the growth of this trade, and particularly by the increase in Chinese exports of dual-use technology to Russia. But China is mindful of not further damaging relations with key Western trade partners, and threats of secondary sanctions on Chinese entities are now showing signs of moderating this trade – with Chinese exports to Russia falling year on year in March and April 2024.

Xi's visit to Europe last week affirmed for Europe that Russia's war against Ukraine is a direct threat to European security. It also affirmed that, if China wants European allies on its side in the China-U.S. trade war, it will have to carefully manage its relations with Russia not to push Europe toward Washington.

It's also important to recognize that China-Russia relations have their stress points. First, tensions and border disputes in eastern Russia remain. While the Xi-Putin meeting this week appeared to recognize the situation with a new agreement, the tensions run deep. Many Russians see China as the biggest long-term security threat to Russia.

Second, while China's decision not to arm Russia has forced Moscow to look to North Korea , Beijing is increasingly nervous and irritated about this deepening bond in its backyard. China worries that the price of North Korea supplying munitions to Russia will be deeper cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang to further enhance the latter's nuclear and ballistic weapons programs. A more militarily potent North Korea that is less dependent on China is not in Beijing's interest.

Read also: Opinion: Ukraine’s naval drones are taking over the Black Sea

Third, Russia has signaled through its invasion of Ukraine that it's a global disrupter – a literal loose canon that wants to change the global status quo and is willing to act in a rash manner that risks disrupting global markets. By contrast, China has long appreciated the rules-based international order that delivered globalization, free markets and trade, and what it saw as the inevitable accent to the global economic hegemony over the U.S.

Notable also is that China appears to have set some guardrails for Russian actions in Ukraine, clearly signaling that it would not support the use of nuclear weapons , for example. See therein China's 12-point peace plan on Russia's war against Ukraine. But China, which was likely initially surprised by the onset of the full-scale war, now appears more comfortable with a longer war as long as the guardrails are kept in place by Russia.

A long war ultimately weakens Russia, making it more dependent on China and allowing China to buy cheap commodities and charge top dollar for key exports to Russia. Russia's struggles in Ukraine underline where it might not have been clear in 2022 (for Putin, at least) that Moscow is the junior partner in the China-Russia relationship.

China favors Russian weakness, but not defeat. So Xi gave Putin the visit he so desired and both signaled different points to the elephant in the room: Washington. Putin signaled that Russia is preparing for a long economic struggle for Ukraine; Xi signaled that, if the U.S. wants to avoid a bad outcome in Ukraine, it needs China to play ball and limit its support to Russia – the price for which are concessions on issues such as trade.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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The Morning

A polling risk for trump.

His advantage may not be as stable as it looks.

By Nate Cohn

The polls have shown Donald Trump with an edge for eight straight months, but there’s a sign his advantage might not be quite as stable as it looks: His lead is built on gains among voters who aren’t paying close attention to politics, who don’t follow traditional news and who don’t regularly vote.

Disengaged voters on the periphery of the electorate are driving the polling results — and the story line — about the election.

President Biden has actually led the last three New York Times/Siena national polls among those who voted in the 2020 election, even as he has trailed among registered voters overall. And looking back over the last few years, almost all of Trump’s gains came from these less engaged voters.

Importantly, these low-turnout voters are often from Democratic constituencies. Many back Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate. But in our polling, Biden wins just three-quarters of Democratic-leaning voters who didn’t vote in the last cycle, even as almost all high-turnout Democratic-leaners continue to support him.

This trend illustrates the disconnect between Trump’s lead in the polls and Democratic victories in lower-turnout special elections. And it helps explain Trump’s gains among young and nonwhite voters , who tend to be among the least engaged.

Trump’s dependence on these voters could make the race more volatile soon. As voters tune in over the next six months, there’s a chance that disengaged but traditionally Democratic voters could revert to their usual partisan leanings. Alternately, they might stay home, which could also help Biden.

How they’re different

It’s not just that less engaged voters are paying less attention. The Times/Siena data suggests that they have distinct political views, and that they get their political information from different sources.

In the battleground states, Democratic-leaning irregular voters are far less likely to identify as liberal. They’re less likely to talk about abortion and democracy and more likely to worry about the economy. They overwhelmingly believe the economy is “poor” or “only fair,” while most of their high-turnout counterparts say it is “good” or “excellent.”

One important factor might be media consumption. While Biden holds nearly all of his support from voters who consume traditional mainstream media — national newspapers, television networks and the like — the disengaged are far likelier to report getting their news from social media. Biden defectors are concentrated in this group. ( A TikTok analysis found nearly twice as many pro-Trump posts on the platform as pro-Biden ones since November.)

Low-turnout voters also pose a challenge for pollsters. While millions of them will undoubtedly turn out this November, no one knows just how many of them will ultimately show up — let alone exactly which ones will do so. This is always a challenge for pollsters. But in this cycle, if enough of them stay home, Biden could do much better on Election Day than it appears in the polls.

Who will ultimately vote?

If there are two consecutive elections with the same level of turnout, you might assume that the same people are voting each time. That’s not the way it works.

There’s a lot more churn in the electorate than people realize. Even if the turnout stays the same, millions of prior voters will stay home and be replaced by millions who stayed home last time.

Historically, around 25 percent of presidential election voters do not have a record of voting in the previous presidential election. This is partly because of newly registered voters, who usually vote in the next election (and who may have previously voted in a different state). But it’s also because around 30 percent to 40 percent of previous registrants who skipped the last election ultimately show up for the next one.

There are good reasons to expect fewer voters in 2024 than in recent cycles, as the 2020 election was the highest-turnout election in a century. But if you think that means that there won’t be many new voters, you’re already wrong: In fact, 10 percent of registered 2020 nonvoters already turned out and voted in the relatively low-turnout 2022 midterms. The usual churn is already at work.

Still, Trump’s strength among nonvoters means the exact number of new voters could be decisive. And exactly which new voters show up could also be pivotal. In recent years, Democrats have benefited from a hidden turnout advantage — a tendency for Democratic-leaners who vote to be more anti-Trump than those who stay home.

With that history in mind, Democrats can hope that November’s election will draw a disproportionately anti-Trump group of irregular voters to the polls. There were signs of this yet again in The Times’s recent battleground polls.

Of course, it’s unlikely that disengaged, irregular voters have already formed solid plans about November. There’s plenty of time for them to make up or change their minds about whom they might vote for — and about whether they’ll vote at all.

More on the election

Biden’s campaign released an ad aimed at Black voters that featured Trump’s past remarks defending white supremacists.

Trump said that only he could get Russia to release Evan Gershkovich , a Wall Street Journal reporter jailed in Moscow. Vladimir Putin “will do that for me,” he added.

Nikki Haley joins Mitch McConnell, Bill Barr and other Trump critics who now endorse him . Other onetime allies, including Mike Pence and Chris Christie, have refused to.

Much of Silicon Valley backs Democrats. But some investors, including two hosts of the popular “All In” podcast, have criticized Biden and embraced Trump .

Democrats are investigating Trump’s meeting with oil and gas executives in which he asked for $1 billion in campaign donations and pledged to reverse Biden’s climate policies.

Ohio’s governor, a Republican, called a special legislative session to fix a procedural issue that could prevent Biden’s name from appearing on the November ballot there.

THE LATEST NEWS

Kenyan state dinner.

Biden held a dinner in honor of Kenya, but the night was also meant to rally Democratic supporters. Barack Obama was a surprise guest .

The guest list also included Bill and Hillary Clinton, Melinda Gates and Sean Penn. See who was there .

Biden will designate Kenya as a major ally . Russia and China are also trying to strengthen ties with the country.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court allowed South Carolina Republicans to keep a state voting map they drew to benefit their party . A lower court said the map diluted Black voters’ power.

Democrats said Justice Samuel Alito should recuse himself from Trump-related cases after The Times revealed that two pro-Trump flags flew above Alito’s homes. Alito was the subject of late night jokes .

More on Politics

Louisiana’s legislature passed a bill that would designate abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances and make possessing them without a prescription a crime punishable with jail time. The Republican governor is expected to sign it.

Senate Republicans again blocked a bipartisan border-security bill . Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who helped negotiate it, also voted no.

Voters in Portland, Ore., this week ousted the county’s progressive prosecutor , Mike Schmidt. Schmidt lost to a deputy in his office who pledged to be tougher on crime.

Israel-Hamas War

Israel said it recovered the bodies of three hostages overnight in northern Gaza, The Washington Post reports.

The U.S. military has delivered aid to Gaza through a temporary pier. But aid groups have struggled to distribute the supplies as hungry people have stopped and looted the trucks .

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators at U.C.L.A. took over a campus building before police officers in riot gear dispersed them.

Another group of university presidents — this time from Northwestern, U.C.L.A. and Rutgers — testified to a House committee about antisemitism and pro-Palestinian demonstrations .

More International News

“Drowning Street”; “Things can only get wetter”: The British press mocked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for making a surprise election announcement in a downpour. See the headlines compiled by The Guardian.

Russia is using advanced technology to interfere with Ukrainian troops’ internet service , which comes from Elon Musk’s satellites, Ukrainian officials said.

China has millions of empty apartments. The government has a plan to buy them, but it may not work , Alexandra Stevenson writes.

A restaurant collapse in Majorca , Spain, killed at least four people.

Other Big Stories

The Justice Department sued the company that owns Ticketmaster, arguing that it has an illegal monopoly. The government asked a court to break the company up .

Forecasters expect an intense hurricane season this year, with up to 25 named storms .

Cannabis now tops alcohol as Americans’ daily drug of choice , a study found.

Abortion rights is a win-win issue for Democrats. It motivates the base and appeals to swing voters, Lakshya Jain and Harrison Lavelle write.

An antisemitic conspiracy theorist is running for Senate in Minnesota. That he resonates with voters is a sign of a distorted sense of reality, Michelle Goldberg writes.

Here are columns by Paul Krugman on Americans’ views of the economy and David Brooks on populism .

MORNING READS

Vatican: An Italian teenager is set to become the first millennial saint .

Los Angeles: For more than 60 years, Moonlight Rollerway has hosted fantastic skate parties.

36 hours: Take a trip to Traverse City, Mich .

Modern Love: “I deserved an Oscar for my performances as best supporting wife and mother. After my divorce, I could no longer pretend .”

Lives Lived: Bob McCreadie, one of the winningest drivers in dirt racing history, cursed wildly, drove aggressively and occasionally broke his back in spectacular wrecks. He died at 73 .

N.H.L.: Connor McDavid’s double-overtime goal gave Edmonton a win over Dallas and a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference final. The game lasted nearly four hours.

N.C.A.A.: An antitrust settlement could mean college athletes will get paid directly. Read how it might work .

N.B.A.: Jaylen Brown scored 40 points and the Boston Celtics are up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals after beating the Indiana Pacers .

ARTS AND IDEAS

San Francisco is known for cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge. But tourists are seeking out a new attraction, too: driverless cars. These cars, also known as robotaxis, have been driving the streets of San Francisco in some form since 2009. But Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company, has made driverless rides available to the public. Read more about them .

More on culture

The streaming platform Cultpix collects low-budget, high-creativity cult movies. Watch these films on it .

Cassie Ventura said she was grateful for the support she received after CNN published surveillance video showing her being physically assaulted by Sean Combs, known as Diddy.

Bella Hadid went viral after wearing a dress that looked like a Palestinian kaffiyeh at Cannes, The Cut reports.

THE MORNING RECOMMENDS …

Save the only ice cream recipe you’ll ever need.

Make the most of summer .

Block noise with these headphones .

Take our news quiz .

Here is today’s Spelling Bee . Yesterday’s pangram was wheeling .

And here are today’s Mini Crossword , Wordle , Sudoku , Connections and Strands .

Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow.

P.S. Masha Gessen, a New Yorker staff writer, is joining Times Opinion as a columnist .

Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox . Reach our team at [email protected] .

Nate Cohn is The Times’s chief political analyst. He covers elections, public opinion, demographics and polling. More about Nate Cohn

Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport opens new $92 million terminal free of debt

Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport opened its new terminal Wednesday morning as the construction of the 5,000-square-feet expansion is slated for completion this summer. COURTESY PHOTO/MOSCOW-PULLMAN REGIONAL AIRPORT

(The Center Square) — Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport opened the doors to its new terminal Wednesday morning, sending its inaugural flight to Seattle and back before noon. 

The 47,000-square-foot facility sits just down the road from the old terminal, which is only a fraction of its size. The project involved more than the terminal; developers spent the last two years building the new $92 million facility, but it took seven years to plan and adjust the runway.

Overall, the new terminal and runway adjustments cost $250 million, with $18 million coming from local sources and the rest from state and federal funds, said Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin, chair of the PMRA Board.

Benjamin and Art Bettge, Mayor of Moscow, Idaho, and vice-chair of the PMRA Board, were among the first passengers on the inaugural flight to Seattle. 

"We had the first flight out of the terminal," Benjamin said. "You could definitely [sense] a lot of energy in the room."

While PMRA opened its new terminal this morning, a 5,000-square-foot expansion is still under construction and slated for completion this summer. Benjamin said the airport will host a formal ribbon-cutting event once that wraps up. 

However, more expansions are coming. Benjamin said the new airport was built with future growth in mind, so while the West Expansion opens in July or August, he expects more growth over the coming years. 

"What's pretty exciting about the runway project and the terminal, including the expansion," Benjamin said, "is when we're done, we'll have no debt at all."

He said Pullman and Moscow spent decades planning and budgeting for the recent upgrades, a practice that will continue as the communities grow and the demand for more space increases. 

"If you think about an $18 million leverage in order to complete a quarter of a billion dollar project," Benjamin said, "that's a pretty good use of funds."

The airport currently offers only two flights to Seattle a day; however, that capacity will expand to five or six, with an additional trip to Boise, Idaho, once Washington State University and the University of Idaho return to school in August. Benjamin said destinations could expand to neighboring hubs in the future, but nothing is concrete yet. 

Phil Weiler, WSU's vice president of marketing and communications, said the new terminal represents a period of growth for Pullman and Moscow, benefiting the respective universities and the students, scholars and researchers who travel the world to attend.  

He compared the project's impact to an old railroad reaching a community back in the day. Like in the past, when railways spurred growth in rural towns, the new terminal created a stronger link between Pullman, Moscow and the cities that people fly to. 

"This is a really unusual project in the sense that it is being supported by two states, by two cities," Weiler said. "Two cities in different states, by two universities that are in different states. It's a great partnership and pretty unusual when you look at airports of this size."

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US officials say North Korea may be planning military action to create chaos ahead of US election, report says

• US officials fear North Korean military action ahead of the US election, NBC News reported.
• Senior officials told the outlet that such a move could be encouraged by Vladimir Putin.
• North Korea and Russia have formed close military ties in recent years.

US officials are preparing for potential North Korean military action — possibly encouraged by Russian President Vladimir Putin — in the run-up to the US election in November, NBC News reported, citing six senior US officials.

Such a move could be designed to create chaos in another part of the world as the election process ramps up, they said.

"We have no doubt that North Korea will be provocative this year. It's just a matter of how escalatory it is," one US intelligence official added.

Following the NBC News report, a campaign spokesperson for Donald Trump said, "The only 'October surprise' will be the look of shock" among reporters when Trump is reelected.

The officials' warning comes ahead of a likely meeting between North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Putin, which the Kremlin announced earlier this week was "being prepared."

"President Putin has an active invitation for an official visit to North Korea. The visit is being prepared. We will announce the dates of the trip in due course," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, French news agency AFP reported.

Russia and North Korea have developed closer relations since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Related stories

For its part, North Korea has sent munitions to Moscow, ostensibly to help Putin's forces in their war against Ukraine, but also to take advantage of the opportunity to test its equipment on the battlefield, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.

In return, North Korea "expects Russia to provide advanced weapons systems and technological know-how to significantly strengthen its defense, nuclear, and space programs," the think tank said.

The six US officials also told NBC News that the Biden administration was concerned that the relationship could lead to significant developments in Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities, increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, one official said that China likely does not want instability in the region, and Russia might, therefore, hesitate to get involved ahead of the US election.

Nevertheless, Rachel Minyoung Lee, a Senior Fellow with the 38 North Program at the Stimson Center, expressed concern that North Korea's strengthening ties with Russia could "embolden" Kim to conduct more aggressive military or diplomatic action in the coming years.

North Korea has already sent a significant amount of military aid to Russia.

By November 2023, one South Korean lawmaker said North Korea had sent Moscow more than 1 million artillery shells to bolster its war effort.

But earlier this month, the office of Ukraine's top prosecutor, Andriy Kostin, told Reuters that North Korean-supplied weapons appeared to have a high failure rate.

"About half of the North Korean missiles lost their programmed trajectories and exploded in the air; in such cases the debris was not recovered," Kostin's office said, citing their examination of debris from 21 of around 50 North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles launched by Russia between late December and late February.

Watch: North Korea flies warplanes near South Korea border, triggering drills

• Main content

Ukraine-Russia war: Latest updates

Scroll down to catch up on all the main developments and analysis of the war in Ukraine.

Saturday 25 May 2024 15:07, UK

• Big picture: What you need to know this week

Our live coverage remains paused today, so we've rounded up the key developments you should be aware of.

• A Russian strike on the city of Kharkiv killed at least one person and injured four others, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said;
• Russia's defence ministry claimed to have taken over the village of Arkhanhelske in the eastern Donetsk region, as well as to be advancing in the northeastern Kharkiv region;
• But Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had secured "combat control" of areas where Russian troops staged their incursion into the Kharkiv region;
• The US announced a new $275m package of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to help it repel Russia's assault near Kharkiv;
• American treasury secretary Janet Yellen said a loan for Ukraine backed by the income from frozen Russian sovereign assets is the "main option" for G7 leaders to consider when they meet next month.

While we are not running our usual updates, here is a rundown of the main events:

Vladimir Putin is ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a ceasefire that recognises current battlefield lines, four Russian sources have told the Reuters news agency.

Three of those sources claimed the Russian leader had expressed frustration about what he views as Western-backed attempts to hinder ceasefire negotiations.

"Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a ceasefire - to freeze the war," a senior Russian source who has reportedly worked with Mr Putin and has knowledge of top-level conversations in the Kremlin, told Reuters.

Read more here...

Zelenskyy visits Kharkiv

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has travelled to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which has been facing intensive Russian air attacks. 

The Ukrainian president met senior military leaders and travelled to the site of a major printing house - a day after it was destroyed in a Russian missile attack that killed at least seven people. 

Further developments :

• Russian forces have had partial success near the village of Ivanivka in the east of Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian military said. Ukraine's general staff said 10 battles took place, with one successfully repelled and more ongoing near the villages of Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Stelmakhivka, Nevske and Druzhelyubivka;
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Spain on Sunday, Spanish radio station Cadena SER reported. The Ukrainian president postponed visits to Madrid and Lisbon earlier this month because of intense fighting in Kharkiv;
• Vladimir Putin is planning to visit North Korea, Russian state news agency RIA said.

Our live coverage will remain paused today, but let's catch you up on where things stand and on any updates overnight.

• Russia said 35 rockets and three drones were fired into Belgorod and overnight, claiming to have destroyed all of them;
• Blasts were heard in Kherson as Russia shelled the city, said its regional governor Roman Mrochko;
• The leader of Russia's Chechnya region, Ramzan Kadyrov, met  Vladimir Putin and offered to send more fighters to the frontline;
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a fresh plea for upgraded defence systems to protect Ukraine's cities against guided bombs, which he described as the "the main instrument" now used by Moscow';
• A Russian airstrike on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv yesterday destroyed a cafe, damaged a nearby residential building and set a petrol station ablaze, with local officials saying ten people were wounded.

As we've not been providing rolling coverage of the war in Ukraine today, here is a quick update on what's been happening since this morning. 

One of the most significant new stories is the UK accusing China of providing or preparing to provide lethal aid to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. 

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told a news conference this morning that US and British defence intelligence had evidence "lethal aid is now, or will be, flowing from China to Russia and into Ukraine".

He called this a "significant development".

We also heard from the Kremlin this morning, which said "in-depth dialogue" was needed to reduce rising tensions between Russia and the West - particularly with regards to nuclear issues. 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the "collective West" of refusing to engage with Russia despite the potential dangers. 

Here are more of the top stories: 

• Russian forces have taken over the village of Klishchiivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, close to the city of Bakhmut, according to Russian news agencies 
• At least nine people have been injured in a Russian air attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv
• Russia accused Ukraine of using a drone to attack a non-nuclear facility at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, causing no critical damage
• Moscow said it is bolstering its efforts to protect its energy infrastructure from drone attacks
• Six children were handed over to Ukraine by Russia and reunited with their families, after a deal was brokered by Qatar. 

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for the moment.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on today's developments.

Vladimir Putin has praised the late president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and said he was a "reliable partner".

Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border over the weekend along with his foreign minister and seven others.

Speaking on the leader, Mr Putin said he was "a man of his word" who carried out any agreements the pair made.

"He was truly a reliable partner, a man sure of himself, who acted in the national interest," Russian news agencies quoted Mr Putin as telling Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia's lower house of parliament.

"He was, of course, a man of his word and it was always good to work with him. What I mean is if we came to an agreement on something, you could be sure the agreement was carried out."

The Kremlin leader asked Mr Volodin, who will be attending memorial events in Iran, to pass on "words of our sincere condolences in connection with this tragedy".

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has strengthened political, trade and military ties with Iran in a deepening relationship that the US and Israel view with concern.

Heavy fighting in the Pokrovsk area in eastern Ukraine has forced Ukrainian troops to engage in "manoeuvres," the Ukrainian military's general staff have said.

Their report said Pokrovsk, northwest of the Russian-held city of Donetsk, remains the front's "hottest" sector.

"In some areas, the situation requires our troops to engage in manoeuvres," the general staff report reads.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has referred to the region and adjacent areas as "extraordinarily difficult" in his nightly video address.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said allies are taking too long when it comes to decisions on military support for Ukraine.

In an interview with Reuters, the Ukrainian leader said every decision which everyone came to was "late by around one year".

"But it is what it is: one big step forward, but before that two steps back. So we need to change the paradigm a little bit," he said.

"When we're quick, they fall behind. And then there's a gap - six, eight months of unpassed (aid) packages, and then two-three months of supplies - and a year goes by. We would like not to lose the advantage."

Mr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine had never used Western weapons on Russian territory.

A senior Russian diplomat has said that the EU plan to channel profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine would have "unpredictable" consequences, according to the TASS news agency.

According to TASS, Kirill Logvinov, Russia's acting permanent representative to the EU in Brussels, told Russia journalists: "The only predictable thing is that those in the EU will be obliged sooner or later to return to our country what has been stolen."

For context : In March the European Commission proposed transferring to Ukraine profits generated by Russian central bank assets frozen in Europe.

The plan would see 90% channeled through the European Peace Facility fund to buy weapons for Ukraine. 

The rest would be used for recovery and reconstruction.

Russia's defence ministry has said it has begun a round of drills involving tactical nuclear weapons. 

The exercises were announced by Russian authorities this month in response to remarks by senior Western officials about the possibility of deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine.

It was the first time Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, although its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises.

According to the ministry's statement, the first stage of the new drills include nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Iskander missiles.

The maneuvers are taking place in the southern military district, which consists of Russian regions in the south.

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China and Russia reaffirm their close ties as Moscow presses its offensive in Ukraine

China’s leader Xi Jinping has welcomed Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at an official ceremony Thursday on his state visit to China. Putin’s visit comes as Russia has become more economically dependent on China following Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine more than two years ago.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Xi Jinping for China’s initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict at their Beijing summit Thursday where the Chinese leader said China hopes Europe will return to peace and stability soon and that China will play a constructive role.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in Beijing as part of a two-day state visit to China. Putin’s visit comes as Russia has become more economically dependent on China following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago. (AP Production Tracy Brown)

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, in which he stressed the two countries’ strong relations.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin landed on Thursday in Beijing for a two-day state visit to China. The Kremlin said this will be Putin’s first foreign trip since he was sworn in as president and began his fifth term in office.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin look toward each other as they shake hands prior to their talks in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin review the honor guard during an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China and opening of China-Russia Years of Culture at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Guneyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during their meeting in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, center right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk during an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk during an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a photo prior to their talks in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Guneyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, walk during an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, foreground right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, foreground left, walk past members of Russian cabinet during an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin review the honor guard during an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, attends a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

BEIJING (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday reaffirmed their “no-limits” partnership that has deepened as both countries face rising tensions with the West, and they criticized U.S. military alliances in Asia and the Pacific region.

At their summit in Beijing, Putin thanked Xi for China’s proposals for ending the war in Ukraine , which have been rejected by Ukraine and its Western supporters as largely following the Kremlin’s line.

Putin’s two-day state visit to one of his strongest allies and trading partners comes as Russian forces are pressing an offensive in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region in the most significant border incursion since the full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022.

China claims to take a neutral position in the conflict, but it has backed the Kremlin’s contentions that Russia was provoked into attacking Ukraine by the West, and it continues to supply key components needed by Moscow for weapons production.

China, which hasn’t criticized the invasion, proposed a broadly worded peace plan in 2023, calling for a cease-fire and for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. The plan was rejected by both Ukraine and the West for failing to call for Russia to leave occupied parts of Ukraine.

AP AUDIO: China and Russia reaffirm their close ties as Moscow presses its offensive in Ukraine

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on a summit between the leaders of China and Russia.

China also gave a rhetorical nod to Russia’s narrative about Nazism in Ukraine, with a joint statement Thursday that said Moscow and Beijing should defend the post-World War II order and “severely condemn the glorification of or even attempts to revive Nazism and militarism.”

Putin has cited the “denazification” of Ukraine as a main goal of the military action, falsely describing the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust, as neo-Nazis.

The largely symbolic and ceremonial visit stressed partnership between two countries who both face challenges in their relationship with the U.S. and Europe.

“Both sides want to show that despite what is happening globally, despite the pressure that both sides are facing from the U.S., both sides are not about to turn their backs on each other anytime soon,” said Hoo Tiang Boon, who researches Chinese foreign policy at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.

While Putin and Xi said they were seeking an end to the war, they offered no new proposals in their public remarks.

“China hopes for the early return of Europe to peace and stability and will continue to play a constructive role toward this,” Xi said in prepared remarks to media in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. His words echoed what China said when it offered a broad plan for peace .

Earlier, Putin was welcomed in Tiananmen Square with military pomp. After a day in Beijing, the Russian leader arrived in Harbin, where he was expected to attend a number of events on Friday.

On the eve of his visit, Putin said China’s proposal could “lay the groundwork for a political and diplomatic process that would take into account Russia’s security concerns and contribute to achieving a long-term and sustainable peace.”

Zelenskyy has said any negotiations must include a restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression and security guarantees for Ukraine.

After Russia’s latest offensive in Ukraine last week, the war is in a critical stage as Ukraine’s depleted military waits for new supplies of anti-aircraft missiles and artillery shells from the United States after months of delay.

The joint statement from China and Russia also criticized U.S. foreign policy at length, hitting out at U.S.-formed alliances, which the statement called having a “Cold War mentality.”

China and Russia also accused the U.S. of deploying land-based intermediate range missile systems in the Asia-Pacific under the pretext of joint exercises with allies. They said that the U.S. actions in Asia were “changing the balance of power” and “endangering the security of all countries in the region.”

The joint statement demonstrated China’s support to Russia.

China is “falling over themselves to give Russia face and respect without saying anything specific, and without committing themselves to anything,” said Susan Thornton, a former diplomat and a senior fellow at the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School.

The meeting was yet another affirmation of the friendly “no-limits” relationship China and Russia signed in 2022, just before Moscow invaded Ukraine.

Since then, Russia has become increasingly dependent economically on China as Western sanctions cut its access to much of the international trading system. China’s increased trade with Russia, totaling $240 billion last year, has helped the country mitigate some of the worst blowback from sanctions.

Moscow has diverted the bulk of its energy exports to China and relied on Chinese companies for importing high-tech components for Russian military industries to circumvent Western sanctions.

“I and President Putin agree we should actively look for convergence points of the interests of both countries, to develop each’s advantages, and deepen integration of interests, realizing each others’ achievements,” Xi said.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said that China can’t “have its cake and eat it too.

“You cannot want to have deepened relations with Europe … while simultaneously continuing to fuel the biggest threat to European security in a long time,” Patel said.

Xi congratulated Putin on starting his fifth term in office and celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the former Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China, which was established following a civil war in 1949. Putin has eliminated all major political opponents and faced no real challenge in the March election.

“In a famous song of that time, 75 years ago — it is still performed today — there is a phrase that has become a catchphrase: ‘Russians and Chinese are brothers forever,’” Putin said.

Russia-China military ties have strengthened during the war. They have held a series of joint war games in recent years.

China remains a major market for Russian military, while also massively expanding its domestic defensive industries, including building aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines.

Putin has previously said that Russia has been sharing highly sensitive military technologies with China that helped significantly bolster its defense capability.

Huizhong Wu reported from Bangkok. Yu Bing and Wanqing Chen in Beijing, Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Jim Heintz and Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.