Zelenskyy warns against attending Russia’s may 9 parade

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned foreign officials on Thursday against attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, describing any such presence as ill-advised given the ongoing hostilities.

Ceasefire proposals and continued strikes

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv had proposed a ceasefire to Moscow starting May 6, yet Russia has since conducted airstrikes and issued “new threats.” Commenting on Russia’s unilateral truce on May 8-9, Zelenskyy said the pause is intended solely to allow the annual parade in Moscow to proceed. “The Russians are already talking about strikes after May 9. A strange and certainly twisted logic from the Russian leadership,” he added.

Warning to foreign states

“There are also messages from some states close to Russia that their representatives intend to be in Moscow. An odd desire at a time like this. We do not recommend it,” Zelenskyy said. Russia has announced it will observe a truce in Ukraine from midnight Thursday (2100GMT) until Sunday. Earlier this week, the Russian Defense Ministry said it would implement the ceasefire, expressing hope that Ukraine would follow suit. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry has urged foreign countries to evacuate their diplomats and personnel from Kyiv, citing possible retaliatory strikes if Ukraine attacks during the Victory Day events. Kyiv has also declared a unilateral ceasefire starting at midnight Tuesday. Türkiye, which has consistently mediated between the two sides, continues to call for a lasting and verifiable ceasefire.