In a display of military strength and international presence, Putin orchestrates Russia's 80th Victory Day celebrations, drawing criticism from Ukraine amid allegations of ceasefire violations.
**Putin's Victory Day Parade: Ceasefire Claims Under Fire as Tensions Rise**
**Putin's Victory Day Parade: Ceasefire Claims Under Fire as Tensions Rise**
Russian President Vladimir Putin leads a high-security Victory Day parade in Moscow amidst claims of continued conflict and a disputed ceasefire with Ukraine.
The article text follows below:
Vladimir Putin is at the helm of Russia's Victory Day commemorations, presiding over a grand parade in Red Square while enforcing heightened security measures after a series of Ukrainian missile strikes targeted the capital. More than 20 international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, have gathered in Moscow for the momentous occasion.
In conjunction with the celebratory event, Russia announced a unilateral, three-day ceasefire, which Ukraine denounced as a "theatrical show" aimed solely at safeguarding the parade. Reports from Ukraine indicate that their military has faced a deluge of attacks since the ceasefire took effect on May 8. Russian officials assert that the ceasefire is being upheld and accuse Ukraine of committing hundreds of violations.
Prior to the proposed truce, both Moscow and Kyiv exchanged numerous missile barrages, resulting in the cancellation of flights and leaving around 60,000 passengers stranded due to Ukrainian bombings. The center of Moscow is heavily restricted as the country prepares festivities commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.
Russia claims that 27 world leaders are attending the military parade, which features thousands of troops marching past the Kremlin while showcasing the nation's latest weaponry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously cautioned that he could not guarantee the safety of attendees and urged foreign leaders to forgo the journey to Moscow.
Military analyst Mykhailo Samus indicated to the BBC that Ukraine may avoid targeting the parade due to the presence of international dignitaries; however, he acknowledged it as a legitimate military target should Ukraine decide to strike.
In his evening address, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared for an immediate full ceasefire but insisted that it must be genuine, with no missile or drone assaults nor ongoing clashes. He urged Russia to support the ceasefire and demonstrate a willingness to conclude the conflict.
Ukraine accuses Russia of breaching the ceasefire numerous times since its implementation. By the second day of the ceasefire, Ukrainian forces reported nearly 200 confrontations along the front lines, including 18 Russian air strikes and close to 4,000 instances of shelling from Russian troops. In Prymorske, a woman tragically lost her life when a Russian drone struck her vehicle.
Russia's defense ministry claims that all Russian forces in Ukraine have halted combat operations, remaining stationed on previously held lines. They argue that their response is in a "mirror-like manner" to violations from Ukrainian forces.
Zelensky has frequently dismissed Putin's ceasefire proposition as a "game," advocating for a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days—an idea supported by Ukraine's European and U.S. allies. On Truth Social, former President Donald Trump reiterated the call for an unconditional ceasefire, warning of further sanctions for any side failing to support it.
Vladimir Putin is at the helm of Russia's Victory Day commemorations, presiding over a grand parade in Red Square while enforcing heightened security measures after a series of Ukrainian missile strikes targeted the capital. More than 20 international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, have gathered in Moscow for the momentous occasion.
In conjunction with the celebratory event, Russia announced a unilateral, three-day ceasefire, which Ukraine denounced as a "theatrical show" aimed solely at safeguarding the parade. Reports from Ukraine indicate that their military has faced a deluge of attacks since the ceasefire took effect on May 8. Russian officials assert that the ceasefire is being upheld and accuse Ukraine of committing hundreds of violations.
Prior to the proposed truce, both Moscow and Kyiv exchanged numerous missile barrages, resulting in the cancellation of flights and leaving around 60,000 passengers stranded due to Ukrainian bombings. The center of Moscow is heavily restricted as the country prepares festivities commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.
Russia claims that 27 world leaders are attending the military parade, which features thousands of troops marching past the Kremlin while showcasing the nation's latest weaponry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously cautioned that he could not guarantee the safety of attendees and urged foreign leaders to forgo the journey to Moscow.
Military analyst Mykhailo Samus indicated to the BBC that Ukraine may avoid targeting the parade due to the presence of international dignitaries; however, he acknowledged it as a legitimate military target should Ukraine decide to strike.
In his evening address, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared for an immediate full ceasefire but insisted that it must be genuine, with no missile or drone assaults nor ongoing clashes. He urged Russia to support the ceasefire and demonstrate a willingness to conclude the conflict.
Ukraine accuses Russia of breaching the ceasefire numerous times since its implementation. By the second day of the ceasefire, Ukrainian forces reported nearly 200 confrontations along the front lines, including 18 Russian air strikes and close to 4,000 instances of shelling from Russian troops. In Prymorske, a woman tragically lost her life when a Russian drone struck her vehicle.
Russia's defense ministry claims that all Russian forces in Ukraine have halted combat operations, remaining stationed on previously held lines. They argue that their response is in a "mirror-like manner" to violations from Ukrainian forces.
Zelensky has frequently dismissed Putin's ceasefire proposition as a "game," advocating for a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days—an idea supported by Ukraine's European and U.S. allies. On Truth Social, former President Donald Trump reiterated the call for an unconditional ceasefire, warning of further sanctions for any side failing to support it.
