Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday warned allies of Russia against attending its May 9 WWII victory parade, as Moscow and Kyiv have traded accusations ahead of the event.
Russia had unilaterally declared a ceasefire from May 8 to 10 and Ukraine followed with a counter-truce that would start May 6. But Zelenskyy said Moscow disregarded the goodwill gesture and launched a new wave of attacks.
“They want from Ukraine a permit to hold their parade, so that they can go out onto the square safely for one hour once a year, and then go on killing,” said Zelensky.
The May 9 parade, which celebrates Russia’s victory against Nazi Germany, represents one of the most important patriotic events for President Vladimir Putin.
“We have also received messages from some states close to Russia, saying that their representatives plan to be in Moscow,” said Zelenskyy, speaking in central Kyiv in a regular video address.
“A strange desire… in these days. We do not recommend it,” he added.
Russia increases security ahead of festivities
Russian authorities say they are concerned about possible Ukrainian attacks, as Kyiv has expanded its long-range drone and missile capabilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that additional security measures were being taken due to the “rather complex operational situation.”
The measures being taken “are necessary to ensure the safety of citizens, which is an absolute priority,” Peskov told reporters.
State media also reported that all mobile internet access and text messaging services will be shut down in the Russian capital on May 9.
Russia to hold Victory Day parade without military equipment
For the first time in nearly two decades, the parade will not feature the usual tanks, missiles and other military equipment, with authorities citing the “current operational situation” as a reason for excluding it.
Prior to Zelenskyy’s address on Thursday, Russia’s defense ministry urged residents and diplomats to leave Kyiv, threatening a potential retaliatory strike in case of a Ukrainian attack during the unilateral two-day truce.
Ukraine meets with US negotiators
Meanwhile, in Miami, Ukraine’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov planned to meet his US counterparts in an attempt to revive talks of an end to the war.
“The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine will hold a series of meetings today with envoys of the President of the United States,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X, referring to Umerov.
“First, the humanitarian track. We hope it will be possible to carry out a new stage of the release of prisoners. Second, the reinvigoration of the diplomatic process,” Zelenskyy added.
Little progress has been made on this front since February, when Washington shifted focus to its war against Iran.
The meeting also comes just days after the US announced the approval of a relatively rare sale of weaponry to Kyiv.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar
