Russia has warned foreign embassies in Kyiv to evacuate staff, threatening retaliatory strikes on the Ukrainian capital if its Victory Day parade in Moscow is disrupted. The warning comes despite Ukraine offering a truce extending before, during and after the anniversary, contingent on Russia halting attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia ignored Ukraine's ceasefire proposal, committing 1,820 violations by Wednesday morning.
In a note to diplomatic missions, Russia said it would strike 'decision-making centres' in Kyiv if Ukraine interfered with Saturday's parade. Russia urged timely evacuation of diplomatic personnel and citizens. Zelenskyy remarked that Russia's choice was an 'obvious spurning of a ceasefire and of saving lives,' adding that Moscow's parade now depends on Ukraine's restraint.
On Wednesday, Russian drones hit a kindergarten in Sumy, killing a security guard and wounding two others. No children were present. The UN reported that Russian attacks on 14 regions since last Friday killed at least 70 civilians and wounded over 500. In occupied Crimea, a Ukrainian drone strike killed five people in Dzhankoi, according to the Russia-installed governor.
Hungary has returned cash and gold seized from Ukraine's Oschadbank in March, worth around $82 million. President Zelenskyy welcomed the move as a 'constructive approach' toward normalising ties. The seizure occurred under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who lost recent elections to Péter Magyar, set to take office on Saturday.
At the Venice Biennale, activists from Pussy Riot shut down the Russian pavilion with a protest, chanting slogans like 'Blood is Russia's art' and wrapping a statue in a Ukrainian flag. Founding member Nadya Tolokonnikova criticised Europe for allowing Russian propaganda despite calling Ukraine a shield for the continent.
Ukraine is seeking to reduce reliance on Chinese drone components, turning to Taiwan as an alternative supplier. Bohdan Diorditsa of Ukrainian drone maker Vyriy called Taiwan a '100% valuable partner' due to its strengths in semiconductors and electronics integration.
