**As Russia celebrates Victory Day, tensions rise with Ukraine amid reports of ceasefire violations and international condemnation.**
**Putin's Victory Day Celebrations Amidst Ceasefire Tensions and Security Concerns**
**Putin's Victory Day Celebrations Amidst Ceasefire Tensions and Security Concerns**
**Tightened security measures and a controversial ceasefire mark Russia's commemorative parade, as international eyes focus on Moscow.**
In a significant display of national pride, Russian President Vladimir Putin led the Victory Day celebrations at Red Square amid heightened security due to recent Ukrainian attacks on Moscow. This year's commemorations, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, have drawn over 20 international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to the Kremlin.
In a bold declaration, Russia announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire coinciding with the festivities, which Ukraine has met with skepticism, dubbing it a "theatrical show" to safeguard the event. Ukraine's military has asserted that it faced thousands of assaults even after the ceasefire's initiation on May 8, claiming that Russian forces have continued to launch missile strikes, despite Moscow claiming the truce is being upheld.
As part of the security measures, major Russian airports experienced flight cancellations, stranding around 60,000 passengers due to heightened tensions. The city center of Moscow is heavily restricted as thousands of troops prepare to march and showcase advanced weaponry during the parade.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of the risks to international attendees and reiterated his inability to guarantee their safety. While a military analyst suggested Ukraine might abstain from targeting the parade due to the presence of foreign dignitaries, he emphasized that should Ukraine choose to engage, it would be legally justified as a military target.
Zelensky has expressed Ukraine's readiness for an immediate ceasefire, contingent on genuine compliance from Russia. He highlighted the continued violent clashes, with reports of hundreds of incidents occurring even with the truce in place, including severe consequences for civilians, such as a drone strike that claimed the life of a woman in the Zaporizhzhia region.
As accusations of truce violations mount, Zelensky has dismissed the short ceasefire as a tactical maneuver and called for a much longer truce – a sentiment echoed by Ukraine's allies in the West. President Donald Trump, via social media, has also echoed the call for an unconditional ceasefire, hinting at potential sanctions for those who fail to comply. The situation remains tense as all eyes remain on Moscow during this pivotal hour for both nations amidst the ongoing conflict.
In a bold declaration, Russia announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire coinciding with the festivities, which Ukraine has met with skepticism, dubbing it a "theatrical show" to safeguard the event. Ukraine's military has asserted that it faced thousands of assaults even after the ceasefire's initiation on May 8, claiming that Russian forces have continued to launch missile strikes, despite Moscow claiming the truce is being upheld.
As part of the security measures, major Russian airports experienced flight cancellations, stranding around 60,000 passengers due to heightened tensions. The city center of Moscow is heavily restricted as thousands of troops prepare to march and showcase advanced weaponry during the parade.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of the risks to international attendees and reiterated his inability to guarantee their safety. While a military analyst suggested Ukraine might abstain from targeting the parade due to the presence of foreign dignitaries, he emphasized that should Ukraine choose to engage, it would be legally justified as a military target.
Zelensky has expressed Ukraine's readiness for an immediate ceasefire, contingent on genuine compliance from Russia. He highlighted the continued violent clashes, with reports of hundreds of incidents occurring even with the truce in place, including severe consequences for civilians, such as a drone strike that claimed the life of a woman in the Zaporizhzhia region.
As accusations of truce violations mount, Zelensky has dismissed the short ceasefire as a tactical maneuver and called for a much longer truce – a sentiment echoed by Ukraine's allies in the West. President Donald Trump, via social media, has also echoed the call for an unconditional ceasefire, hinting at potential sanctions for those who fail to comply. The situation remains tense as all eyes remain on Moscow during this pivotal hour for both nations amidst the ongoing conflict.
