The Russian invasion.

The Russian invasion. The outside world's response
Sources: Putin travels to China in May for another meeting with Xi

Vladimir Putin is planning a trip to China in May for a meeting with President Xi Jinping, five sources told Reuters. In such cases, it is expected to be Putin's first state visit during the new term.

Two of the sources say the visit will come shortly before Xi travels to France for a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, a meeting also said to take place in May.

Putin has visited China once during the war - in October 2023. That time, the leaders described each other as "dear friends" and discussed how ties between them can be deepened.

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The Russian invasion. The outside world's response
Sources: The EU is preparing a high penalty on the grain

The European Commission is preparing to impose a tariff on Russian grain for the first time since the war, sources told the Financial Times.

In the coming days, the Commission is expected to announce a tariff of 95 euros per imported tonne of grain, which would raise prices by at least 50 percent and thus reduce demand. An increased tariff does not require all countries to agree, as is the case with regular sanctions.

The EU has previously been reluctant to give in to Russian food exports because it could hit the world's poorest countries. The hope with the new measures is that the food will still be able to pass through the EU on its way to Africa and Asia, according to the newspaper.

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The Russian invasion The election in Russia
Transnistria participated in the Russian elections - Moldova acts

Moldova has summoned the Russian ambassador and expelled a Russian diplomat. This is because Russia organized this weekend's presidential election in Transnistria as well.

"The Moldovan side expressed its protest," writes Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi on X.

Transnistria tried to break away from Moldova after the collapse of the Soviet Union. A war broke out – and since the 90s, Russian troops have annexed the region. The Moldovan government and the international community see Transnistria as an autonomous region belonging to Moldova.

Even in the occupied territories of Ukraine, residents were allowed to vote in this weekend's presidential election.