The festivities in Moscow for Victory Day feature a heavily secured parade, attended by international leaders, amidst a disputed three-day ceasefire declared by Russia. Ukraine denounces the ceasefire as a sham, claiming violations and persistent attacks disrupt any real pause in hostilities.
Tensions Rise as Putin Hosts Victory Day Parade Amidst Controversial Ceasefire
Tensions Rise as Putin Hosts Victory Day Parade Amidst Controversial Ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin leads the Victory Day celebrations with increased security and a contested ceasefire as Ukrainian attacks continue.
In a show of strength and remembrance, Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over the Victory Day parade in Red Square, celebrated with heightened security due to ongoing hostilities from Ukraine. The ceremony, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, has attracted over 20 international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Coinciding with the event, Russia announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire that Ukraine quickly dismissed as a mere "theatrical show" aimed at securing the parades. Since the ceasefire started on May 8, Ukraine's military reports thousands of attacks, indicating a severe lack of adherence to the proposed truce. Russian officials accuse Ukraine of numerous violations, asserting that their own ceasefire measures are being observed.
Leading up to the parade, missile strikes between the two nations escalated, leading to flight cancellations and leaving approximately 60,000 passengers stranded as Russian airports were shut down in response to threats from Ukrainian bombings. Heavy security measures have been instituted in central Moscow to manage the high-profile event.
In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that while Ukraine is prepared for a genuine ceasefire, it must be a real cessation of hostilities without missile strikes or clashes along the front lines. He reiterated calls for Russia to demonstrate a sincere commitment to peace.
Meanwhile, despite the ongoing ceasefire, Ukraine claims nearly 200 confrontations occurred along the frontline on the second day. In one tragic instance, a drone strike reportedly killed a civilian in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Russia's defense ministry insists that all its forces have halted combat operations and are maintaining their positions in Ukraine. However, they claim they are compelled to respond to what they describe as provocations from Ukrainian forces.
Zelensky has rejected Putin's ceasefire as a ploy and advocated for a longer truce of at least 30 days, garnering support from Europe and the U.S. Former President Donald Trump has joined calls for an unconditional ceasefire, warning of potential sanctions against any party unwilling to comply.
