Russia has announced a ceasefire in its ongoing war with Ukraine beginning today till May 10 during celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.
The announcement was made by the Russian Defence Ministry following a decision by President Vladimir Putin. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a summit in Yerevan that Russia might avoid displaying military equipment during its May 9 Victory Day parade because of fears of possible drone attacks over Moscow’s Red Square.
In response, Russian officials warned that any Ukrainian attack on Moscow during the parade could trigger a large missile strike on central Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also criticised Western countries over their stance on May 9 celebrations and accused them of distorting Soviet history.
Russia also summoned the Armenian ambassador after Zelenskyy’s remarks in Yerevan, saying it was unacceptable for Armenia to provide a platform for what Moscow called threats against Russia.
For years, the Kremlin has used the Victory Day parade to showcase military strength and national pride.
However, this year’s parade will be held without tanks, missiles, and other heavy equipment for the first time in nearly two decades. Several smaller parades across the country have also been scaled down or cancelled, citing security concerns.
Last year’s 80th anniversary parade drew several global leaders, including Xi Jinping of China, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is expected to attend again this year.