Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia’s allies on Thursday against attending a World War II victory parade on May 9, as Moscow and Kiev traded accusations at each other ahead of the event.
Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire from 8 to 10 May, and Ukraine followed with a counter-ceasefire that would begin on 6 May. But Zelensky said Moscow ignored the goodwill gesture and launched a new wave of attacks.
Zelensky said, “They want permission from Ukraine to hold their parade, so that they can safely go to the square once a year for an hour and then commit murders.”
The May 9 parade, which celebrates Russia’s victory against Nazi Germany, represents one of the most important patriotic events for President Vladimir Putin.
“We have also received messages from some states close to Russia saying that their representatives plan to stay in Moscow,” Zelensky said, speaking in a regular video address in central Kiev.
“It’s a strange desire these days. We don’t recommend it,” he said.
Russia beefs up security ahead of celebrations
Russian officials say they are concerned about potential Ukrainian attacks, as Kiev has expanded its long-range drone and missile capabilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that additional security measures were being taken due to the “rather complex operational situation.”
“The measures taken are necessary to ensure the safety of civilians, which is an absolute priority,” Peskov told reporters.
State media also reported that all mobile internet access and text messaging services would be shut down in the Russian capital on May 9.
Russia to hold Victory Day parade without military equipment
There will be a parade for the first time in almost two decades This does not include normal tanks, missiles and other military equipment.Officials cited “the current operational situation” as the reason for its exclusion.
Ahead of Zelensky’s address on Thursday, Russia’s Defense Ministry urged residents and diplomats to leave Kiev, threatening a possible retaliatory strike in case of a Ukrainian attack during a unilateral two-day ceasefire.
Ukraine meets US negotiators
Meanwhile, in Miami, Ukraine’s top negotiator Rustam Umerov planned to meet his US counterparts in an effort to revive talks to end the war.
“The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine will hold a number of meetings today with envoys of the President of the United States,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Twitter, referring to Umerov.
Zelensky said, “First, the humanitarian track. We hope that it will be possible to carry out a new stage of the release of prisoners. Second, the revival of the diplomatic process.”
There has been little progress on this front since February, when Washington turned its attention to the war against Iran.
The meeting comes just days after the US announced it had approved a relatively rare arms sale to Kiev.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar