Russia and Ukraine continued air strikes against each other’s capitals overnight, including an attack that killed two people in Kyiv, as Moscow prepared to host the leaders of China, Brazil and other states to commemorate the end of World War II.

Two people were killed and eight injured after Russia targeted Kyiv with drones and missiles overnight, hours before a unilateral three-day cease-fire announced by Moscow was due to come into effect Wednesday night.

Ukraine attacked Moscow with drones for a third day on Wednesday forcing most of the Russian capital's airports to close just as Chinese President Xi Jinping was due to arrive to mark the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.