Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has advised countries with close ties to Russia against attending the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow. In a recent address, he emphasized Ukraine’s ongoing attempts to achieve a ceasefire, stating that despite multiple proposals, Russia has responded with continued military aggression.
Zelensky noted that Ukraine had offered a ceasefire starting May 6, aiming for a peaceful resolution. However, he claimed that the response from Russia included new strikes and threats. He criticized the Kremlin’s desire for Ukraine to grant permission for the parade, suggesting that it was merely a facade for further violence against Ukrainians.
“Russians are already talking about strikes after May 9. This reflects a strange and certainly inadequate logic from the Russian leadership. We have also received inquiries from some countries close to Russia regarding their representatives attending the event. It is a peculiar desire during these times. We do not recommend it,” he stated.
Earlier in April, Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed to U.S. President Donald Trump a willingness for a ceasefire on Victory Day, a proposal that Trump supported. However, on May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from May 8 to 9, which Zelensky responded to by declaring a silence regime from the night of May 5 to 6, warning that Ukrainian forces would respond in kind to any violations.
On May 6, Zelensky reiterated that Russia had not ceased any of its military activities, asserting that Ukraine would mirror any Russian actions. Additionally, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged foreign diplomats to evacuate from Kyiv ahead of a potential Russian strike in response to any attacks during the declared ceasefire.
President Zelensky has cautioned nations against attending Moscow's Victory Day parade, citing ongoing Russian military aggression despite Ukraine's ceasefire offers. He criticized the Kremlin's intentions and outlined Ukraine's readiness to respond to any violations of peace efforts.