Volodymyr Zelensky has warned against attending Moscow's Victory Day Parade, citing fears of an impending attack that have reportedly gripped Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian president's caution came just hours after Russia ordered the evacuation of foreign diplomats and citizens from Kyiv, threatening a missile strike of 'nuclear-scale' devastation if any attempt is made to disrupt the Saturday celebrations.
Zelensky's Warning
In his nightly video address, Zelensky stated that Ukraine was aware of representatives from countries close to Russia planning to attend events in Moscow. He described it as 'an odd desire at a time like this' and advised against participation. 'Moscow wants to hold their parade, to go out onto the square safely for an hour once a year, and then continue killing, killing our people and waging war,' he said. Zelensky also noted that Russian officials have already spoken about strikes after May 9, calling it 'a strange and certainly twisted logic from the Russian leadership.'
Expected Attendees
Leaders from Belarus, Malaysia, Laos, and the partially recognized states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are expected to attend the celebrations. Zelensky's remarks appeared to have been prepared before Russia announced an expanded ceasefire from midnight on May 8 until May 10, marking the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in what Russia calls the Great Patriotic War.
Russia's Security Measures
Putin is scheduled to attend the parade in Red Square on Saturday. The Kremlin has confirmed heightened security measures amid concerns of a potential Ukrainian attack. According to VChK-OGPU, a Telegram channel with reported links to security services, snipers and machine gunners have been positioned on the towers and ramparts of the Kremlin overlooking Red Square. Armoured vehicles and trucks equipped with anti-drone weapons are also being deployed. 'Literally on all the towers, walls, and buildings of the Kremlin, there are soldiers from special units with machine guns, sniper rifles, and special equipment,' the channel reported. Armed checkpoints have been established at entrances to the Russian capital.
Zelensky Accuses Putin
Zelensky earlier accused Putin of ignoring a proposed ceasefire ahead of the parade and continuing to launch strikes on Ukraine. He described Putin as 'the one person in Moscow who cannot live without war' and 'only interested in a parade and nothing else.' The Ukrainian president's comments underscore the heightened tensions surrounding the Victory Day commemorations.
