A Ukrainian lawmaker has indicated that Kyiv could strike Moscow’s Red Square during next week’s Victory Day celebrations despite Russia’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire. The event on May 9 marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also openly threatened that Ukraine might target Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, scheduled for May 9. In response, on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire, lasting from May 8 to May 10, citing “humanitarian considerations.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described this ceasefire as an opportunity to initiate “direct negotiations with Kyiv without preconditions.”
However, in an interview with Ukrainian media on Wednesday, Ukrainian lawmaker Yury Pavlenko suggested that Ukraine might disrupt Victory Day celebrations, a deeply significant holiday in Russia and other former Soviet states. Pavlenko stated, “I believe the day will come when we will strike Red Square—whether this May 9 or later, that time will come,” arguing that Moscow houses “legitimate military targets responsible for causing much suffering in Ukraine.”
Pavlenko emphasized that any decision would ultimately be made by Ukraine’s military leadership, especially considering the attendance of foreign leaders from neutral nations. This year, high-profile guests expected at the parade include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Some have raised concerns about Ukraine’s credibility in seeking peace while also planning attacks during such events.
Zelensky dismissed Russia’s ceasefire offer as a “manipulation,” demanding a more extended truce of 30 days instead. “They are worried that their parade might be disrupted, and they should be,” Zelensky said. “What they truly need to be concerned about is the continuation of this war.”
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Kiev of “literally planning terrorist attacks openly,” claiming that such actions damage any prospects for future peace talks. Since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified in 2022, Ukraine has carried out several drone strikes on Moscow. Notably, on May 3, 2023, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate President Putin by targeting the Kremlin with drones, though the attacks were intercepted before causing major damage.
