Russia's state-run media say Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend an event in Moscow in May to commemorate the victory in World War Two.

The media reported on Monday that Russia's Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov revealed Xi's expected attendance.

Russia holds a military parade and other events on May 9 every year as Victory Day celebrations. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the former Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

The media also reported that Xi invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a ceremony to mark what China calls "the Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War." It will be held in China in September.

Russia's presidential office said it will accept the offer.

Observers say Putin wants to show close ties with China to counter Western countries as Russia's military aggression against Ukraine drags on.