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Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu to the Kremlin on the first day of his three-day visit to Russia, where the two are preparing to discuss Beijing's deepening military cooperation with Moscow. Both countries have ramped up ties in recent years to counterbalance global US dominance, and they've only grown closer since Putin launched an offensive in Ukraine last February.

Joe Biden has given a speech at The Windsor pub in Dundalk, Ireland, after having delivered a speech in Belfast earlier that day, celebrating the Good Friday Agreement on its 25th anniversary. The US president told the audience: "My message to you today is quite simple: We have to continue to keep the faith." He added we must "face darkness" and work towards a future of "greater dignity".

Putin grips desk amidst rumours of chemo for cancer. Vladimir Putin is receiving treatment for cancer and his top generals are looking to 'throw' the war in Ukraine as he does, according to a rumour contained in a leaked American intelligence document. Rumours about the Russian president's declining health, mental state and unstable position have swirled since long before he ordered the invasion in February 2022. Putin's physical prowess as a hunter, martial artist, ice hockey player and horseman has long been a cornerstone of his portrayal across state media as a strong and admirable leader, endearing him to the public. The Kremlin has in the past released pictures purportedly of him riding bare-chested on horseback, lounging topless in the sun and beating other fighters in judo matches - in a bid to show off his physique.

VLADIMIR PUTIN Russian president say We tried to build relations with the leading countries