Volodymyr Zelensky has advised against attending Moscow’s Victory Day Parade due to Putin’s reported concerns of a potential attack. The Ukrainian president’s warning came shortly after Moscow issued evacuation orders for foreign diplomats and citizens in Kyiv in anticipation of a potential missile strike.
Russia has threatened to retaliate if the celebrations are disrupted, possibly using Oreshnik missiles with conventional warheads that could cause significant damage. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova urged Western countries to evacuate their personnel from Kyiv.
During a social media address, Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine was aware of representatives from pro-Russian countries planning to attend events in Moscow but discouraged participation. He criticized Moscow for wanting to continue military actions while parading for an hour annually.
Leaders from Belarus, Malaysia, Laos, and the partially recognized states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are expected at the parade. Zelensky’s comments were made before Russia announced an expanded ceasefire to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Zelensky accused Putin of ignoring ceasefire proposals and continuing attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing Putin’s focus on the parade over peace efforts. Putin is set to attend the parade amid heightened security measures in anticipation of potential Ukrainian interference.
Security measures around Red Square include snipers, machine gunners, and armored vehicles equipped with anti-drone weaponry. Special units are stationed at various points in the Kremlin, and armed checkpoints have been established at the entrances to Moscow.
