Zelenskyy says Moscow fears drones over Red Square during Victory Day parade
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commented on Moscow's plans to hold the 9 May Victory Day parade without military equipment, saying this would be the first time in many years. He added that there are also concerns in Russia that drones could appear over Red Square. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May – ed.]
Source: Zelenskyy, speaking at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Interfax-Ukraine; broadcast of Zelenskyy's speech
Details: Zelenskyy noted that Russia has announced plans to hold a Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May without military equipment. He added that if this goes ahead, it will be the first time in many years that Russia has been unable to display military equipment. He also said the Russians fear that drones could fly over Red Square.
The Ukrainian leader added that this is very telling and that it shows Russia is not strong at present.
According to Zelenskyy, pressure must be brought to bear on Russia through sanctions and continued support for Ukraine.
The president also believes that the summer of 2026 will be the moment when Russian leader Vladimir Putin decides whether to escalate the war or move towards diplomatic channels.
Background:
- On the night of 3-4 May, an explosion reportedly caused by a drone attack was heard in Moscow, approximately 6 km from the Kremlin.
- According to a report by a European intelligence agency, Russian leader Vladimir Putin is reportedly concerned about the risk of a coup d'état involving Sergei Shoigu, former defence minister and current secretary of the Security Council, as well as an assassination attempt on his life by members of the Russian elite using drones.
- On 28 April, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that the 9 May parade in Moscow will take place without military equipment or the participation of cadets from military academies due to the "current situation".
- Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov has claimed that the 9 May parade in Moscow will take place in a "reduced format" due to a terrorist threat and because the date is not a jubilee. In St Petersburg, the parade will also be held without military equipment.
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