Russian officials believe the invitation signals that Moscow is finally being treated with the respect it deserves.

The 68-year-old Russian leader described recent remarks in Europe questioning the need for the Russian vaccine as "strange."

Russia's most prominent opposition leader called for his supporters to take to the streets after a hastily organized court jailed him for 30 days.

Officials said an out-of-date electoral system and deep divisions had left American democracy "limping on both feet."

With almost 30% of polling stations reporting after the end of six days of voting, 74% of voters have supported the reforms. 

Celebrations were muted after the Kremlin grudgingly agreed to postpone plans for a grand parade with world leaders because of the coronavirus.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he will be looking for Russia's Vladimir Putin to agree to a rapid ceasefire in Idlib.