Russia has issued a warning to foreign embassies in Kyiv, urging them to evacuate their personnel ahead of the Victory Day parade in Moscow this weekend, as it threatens retaliatory strikes if Ukraine disrupts the commemorations. This comes despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offering a truce that would extend before, during, and after the anniversary, provided Russia halts attacks on Ukraine.
Russia's Threat and Ukraine's Response
In a note to diplomatic missions and international organizations, Russia warned it would launch a "retaliatory" strike on the Ukrainian capital, "including against decision-making centres," if Ukraine interferes with the parade. The note urged "timely evacuation of personnel from diplomatic and other missions, as well as citizens, from the city of Kyiv."
Ukraine proposed its own ceasefire starting on 6 May, which Russia ignored. Zelenskyy stated that Russia had committed 1,820 violations by late morning on Wednesday. "Russia's choice is an obvious spurning of a ceasefire and of saving lives," he said. "If the one person in Moscow who cannot live without war is interested only in a parade and nothing else, that is another matter. Russia has fought to the point where even their main parade now depends on us."
Drone Attacks and Casualties
On Wednesday, Russian drones struck a kindergarten in Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine, killing a security guard and injuring two others. Officials confirmed no children were present at the time. The UN human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine reported that Russian attacks on 14 regions since last Friday have killed at least 70 civilians and wounded more than 500.
In occupied Crimea, a Ukrainian drone strike on the city of Dzhankoi killed five people, according to the Russia-installed governor, Sergei Aksyonov.
Hungary Returns Seized Ukrainian Assets
Hungary has returned cash and gold belonging to Ukraine's Oschadbank, which were seized by Budapest's security service in March. Zelenskyy welcomed the move as a step toward normalizing strained ties. Under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary detained seven Ukrainians transporting around $82 million in cash and gold. Ukraine denounced the seizure as racketeering, insisting it was a routine transfer. Both funds and gold have been fully returned, Zelenskyy confirmed, praising Hungary's "constructive approach and civilised step." Orbán's successor, Péter Magyar, is set to be sworn in on Saturday.
Pussy Riot Protests at Venice Biennale
The Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale was temporarily shut down after the activist group Pussy Riot staged a chaotic protest against Russia's inclusion in the art festival. Wearing pink balaclavas, protesters gathered outside the pavilion, lighting pink, blue, and yellow flares while playing punk music and shouting slogans such as "Blood is Russia's art." They wore messages like "Curated by Putin, dead bodies included" and "Russian art, Ukrainian blood." A statue outside was wrapped in a Ukrainian flag. Founding member Nadya Tolokonnikova said: "It's weird to me that Europe keeps saying that Ukraine is a shield for the entire European continent but opens its doors time and time again to Russian propaganda."
Ukraine Seeks Alternative Drone Suppliers
Ukraine is working to reduce its reliance on Chinese drone parts, turning to Taiwan as an alternative supplier. Despite China's denials, Ukraine accuses Beijing of aiding Russia with military goods. Taiwan, with strengths in semiconductors and electronics integration, is seen as a valuable partner. Bohdan Diorditsa, chief international alliances officer at Ukrainian drone maker Vyriy, emphasized the importance of local production and less dependence on Chinese components.
Sweden Detains Tanker Suspected of Being Part of Russian Shadow Fleet
Sweden's coast guard detained a tanker, the Jin Hui, suspected of being part of Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil-carrying vessels. The ship was boarded on Sunday while sailing under a suspected false Syrian flag in Swedish waters in the Baltic Sea. Officials also raised concerns about its seaworthiness. The tanker is on EU, UK, and Ukrainian sanctions lists. It is the fifth vessel investigated by the coast guard in recent weeks. Russia's embassy in Sweden did not immediately comment.
EU Unanimity Rule Criticized
Germany's foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, called for the EU to abolish its unanimous decision-making rule, which he said has allowed member states to hold key decisions "hostage." He argued for weighted majority decisions or agreements among smaller groups, implicitly criticizing Hungary under Orbán for stymying urgent measures like aid to Ukraine. Wadephul also urged Brussels to be given more power to withhold EU funds from countries that violate common values.
