Introduction

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Mariupol this weekend, marking his first trip to the Ukrainian territory Russia annexed in September. And, Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Moscow for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine.

• Plus, what you need to know about a possible criminal indictment against former President Trump.

Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler and Mike Allen.

Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Go Deeper:

• Putin makes surprise visit to Ukrainian city of Mariupol
• Trump predicts he’ll be arrested Tuesday, calls for protests
• Timeline: The probe into Trump's alleged hush money payments to Stormy Daniels