As Russia prepared to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with a military parade in Red Square, President Vladimir Putin is at the forefront, flanked by an extensive security presence due to escalating attacks from Ukraine on the capital. Over 20 global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, have arrived in Moscow for the occasion, amidst a declaration of a three-day unilateral ceasefire by Russia, which Ukraine has dismissed as insincere, labeling it a "theatrical show" intent on masking the conflict.
The Ukrainian military reported ongoing violence, noting thousands of attacks since the ceasefire began on May 8. While Russia claims the truce is intact, it faces accusations of violating its own ceasefire terms. In the lead-up to the parade, both nations engaged in a significant uptick in missile strikes, leading to the cancellation of flights across Russia, leaving around 60,000 travelers stranded.
In the heart of Moscow, the military parade is set to host thousands of troops and display cutting-edge weaponry, as well as attendance from leaders worldwide. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns regarding the safety of foreign dignitaries attending the event. Ukrainian analysts speculate that while the presence of international guests may deter Ukrainian strikes on the parade, such a target remains valid.
Zelensky has openly stated Ukraine's readiness for an immediate and genuine ceasefire but cautioned against superficial agreements. In a recent address, he implored Russia to demonstrate true intentions to conclude hostilities. The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine report nearly 200 confrontations and thousands of shelling instances, undermining the ceasefire's efficacy.
As the parade unfolds, Zelensky has called for a more extended truce of at least 30 days, a plea echoed by various allies in Europe and the US. In a reminder of the broader stakes, former President Donald Trump reiterated calls for an unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing the necessity of peaceful resolution and warning of repercussions for any party failing to heed this call.
