Russian air defence forces downed two Ukrainian drones flying towards Moscow, the city's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said on Wednesday.

The attacks came a day before a Russian-proposed cease-fire was to take effect and as Moscow prepared to welcome foreign dignitaries for a parade.

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow for the second consecutive night halting flights at four airports, Russian officials said, as the city prepares to host a major military parade expected to be attended by world leaders including China’s Xi Jinping.