Russian soldiers prepare for a rehearsal of the annual military parade in central Moscow, Russia, May 4, 2026.Image: keystone
May 7, 2026, 8:57 p.mMay 7, 2026, 8:57 p.m
Ahead of the traditional Victory Day in Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned representatives of countries close to Russia not to come to the Russian capital. Ukraine has received corresponding requests, said Zelenskyj in his evening video message. He spoke of a strange desire at that time. “We advise against it.”
Moscow traditionally celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th with a military parade on Red Square and has unilaterally declared a ceasefire to mark the celebrations. “They want Ukraine’s permission to hold their parade, to safely go to the square for an hour once a year,” said Zelensky. After that, Russia wants to continue killing people in Ukraine and waging war.
Russia reaffirms unilaterally declared ceasefire
Moscow had recently reaffirmed its unilaterally declared ceasefire. In accordance with the decision of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Russia will declare a ceasefire from midnight on Friday (Thursday 11 p.m. CEST) to May 10 to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said. During this period, Russian troops would completely stop fighting.
At the same time, Moscow repeated its threat to respond with a massive attack on the center of Kiev if Ukraine tried to disrupt the celebrations in Moscow. The ministry again called on foreign diplomats and civilians to leave the Ukrainian capital.
On the occasion of the celebrations, Moscow unilaterally declared a ceasefire for Friday and Saturday, to which Kiev responded by pushing for a unilaterally declared ceasefire from Wednesday. Ukraine gave up this after a day and responded to ongoing Russian attacks with one of its largest drone attacks to date. (sda/dpa)