Before President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the Red Square celebration commemorating World War II victory over Nazi Germany, Moscow has implemented increased security measures. Russian officials blamed the abrupt change in format on the “current operational situation” and the prospect of Ukrainian assault. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said “additional security measures” had been implemented.
Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire for Friday and Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed a truce beginning May 6, but neither accord was followed as sides exchanged claims of ongoing bombardment.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that Russia and Ukraine had accepted his call for a cease-fire from Saturday to Monday and agreed to exchange prisoners, claiming that the break in combat may be the “beginning of the end” of the conflict.
Zelensky, who earlier this week stated that Russian officials “fear drones could fly over Red Square” on May 9, responded to Trump’s statement by releasing an executive order “allowing” Russia to celebrate Victory Day on Saturday, designating Red Square temporarily closed to Ukrainian strikes.
Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, termed Zelensky’s edict a “silly joke” and told reporters, “We don’t need anyone’s permission to be proud of Victory Day.” Russian authorities have warned that if Ukraine tries to interrupt Saturday’s celebrations, Russia will unleash a “massive missile strike on the centre of Kyiv”
Also Read:
Christoph Klein: Reimagining Sustainable Investment with ESG Portfolio Management
Dr. Akintoye Akindele: Empowering the Future of Africa through Investment and Leadership
