Charles Maynes

The lawyer for the 31-year-old athlete said Friday her pre-trial detention in Russia has been extended by one month. Griner faces a trial on drug possession charges in mid-June.

Russians celebrate Victory Day on Monday, May 9. The annual event marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, but it has taken on added importance this year because of Ukraine.

Russian criticism of Western military aid to Ukraine is not new. But recent rhetoric reflects efforts to build public consensus for the need of a protracted — if not existential — war with the West.

Russia's state-run gas company has cut supplies to Poland and Bulgaria. At the heart of this move: the war in Ukraine, the sanctions imposed by the West, and Russia's attempts to wriggle free of them.

The United Nations secretary general met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his foreign minister. He came to Moscow as a "messenger of peace."

It's been nearly two months since the US and its allies introduced unprecedented International sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion. For the Russian economy, the worst is yet to come.

For the first time, Russia's Defense Ministry has announced casualties, saying 498 troops have died. Delegations from Ukraine and Russia are preparing for a second round of talks, expected Thursday.

Russians lined up at ATM machines but there are few other signs of reaction to Western economic sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to recognize the independence of two Ukrainian regions, establishing what could be a pretext for an attack.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Moscow to talk to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. It came as Russia indicated that some of its troops massed along the Ukrainian border might head back.