Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday warned countries close to Russia against sending representatives to Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade, saying it would be inappropriate amid renewed attacks and ongoing hostilities.
Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 10, and Ukraine proposed a counter-truce starting on May 6. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of ignoring that goodwill and launching fresh strikes during the period. He criticized the idea of permitting Russia to hold a parade while continuing military operations, saying they seek ‘a permit to hold their parade… and then go on killing.’ He added that Kyiv had received messages that some states close to Russia planned to attend and warned, ‘We do not recommend it.’
The May 9 parade, marking Russia’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany, is one of the most important patriotic events for President Vladimir Putin. Russian authorities say they are taking extra security measures ahead of the celebrations because of concerns about possible Ukrainian attacks, as Kyiv has extended its long-range drone and missile reach. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as ‘rather complex’ and said the measures are aimed at ensuring citizens’ safety.
State media reported that mobile internet and text messaging services in Moscow will be shut down on May 9. For the first time in nearly two decades, Russian officials said the parade would be held without the usual display of tanks, missiles and other heavy military equipment, citing the ‘current operational situation’ as the reason.
Before Zelenskyy’s remarks, Russia’s defense ministry reportedly urged residents and diplomats to leave Kyiv and warned of retaliatory strikes if Ukrainian forces attacked during Russia’s declared two-day truce.
Separately, Ukraine’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov traveled to Miami to meet US envoys in an effort to revive diplomatic talks. Zelenskyy said the meetings would focus first on a humanitarian track, including hopes for a new stage of prisoner releases, and second on reinvigorating the broader diplomatic process. Progress has been limited since February, when US attention shifted toward tensions with Iran. The talks come days after the United States approved a rare arms sale to Kyiv.
Edited by Roshni Majumdar