In the Wake of Ukrainian Drone Attacks, Kremlin Bolsters Security for Victory Day Celebrations
In response to recent Ukrainian drone attacks, the Kremlin emphasizes the need for heightened security during war-ending festivities. - Following Ukrainian drone assaults, the Kremlin emphasizes security measures for end-of-war commemorations
It's the eve of a grand spectacle. Over two dozen foreign heads of state and government are set to attend the Victory Day parade on Red Square. Among the first to arrive are Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. These notable figures have also scheduled bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin's chief.
Spokesman for the Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, has addressed the looming threat of Russian drone attacks, stating that the army and security services have taken adequate measures to ensure a peaceful and uneventful celebration. Consequently, internet access in Moscow will be limited during this period, due to the area's "dangerous neighborhood," referencing tensions with Ukraine.
The latest Ukrainian drone attacks have left a lasting impact on Russia's air traffic. Airports in Moscow and other cities have curtailed operations, leading to the disruption of travel plans for approximately 60,000 passengers, according to the Ator tourism association.
The skies above Ukraine have not known respite either, with Russian airstrikes continuing relentlessly. Between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon, the Ukrainian air force reports 187 drones and five ballistic missiles were launched at Ukraine. Of these, 81 drones and two missiles were successfully intercepted; however, tragedy struck in Kyiv as a mother and her son were killed, and seven others were injured, including four children, due to the latest attacks.
Despite a unilateral three-day ceasefire proclaimed by Putin for the Victory Day celebrations, it only commences on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined participation in the brief truce, expressing concern about the security of the festivities for the Moscow elite. Instead, Kyiv demands a 30-day ceasefire, an ultimatum to which Putin has yet to agree.
US Vice President JD Vance has called for Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct negotiations to put an end to the ongoing conflict. Vance suggests this as a vital step towards achieving a ceasefire. In recent months, the US government has been involved in separate talks with both Kyiv and Moscow in hopes of finding a resolution. However, substantive progress has yet to be made, leading US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to threaten to discontinue US mediation efforts by the end of April.
Putin will deliver a speech at the military parade on Friday. The lone guest from the EU among the expected 27 foreign leaders will be Slovakia's right-wing nationalist prime minister, Robert Fico, who has chosen to disregard warnings from Brussels. In addition, around 100 Chinese soldiers are expected to participate in the parade on Red Square.
While China presents itself as a neutral player in the Ukraine conflict, it has never denounced Russia's military actions in the neighboring country. Beijing maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow, positioning itself as a key ally amidst massive Western sanctions. The West accuses China of supporting Russia's arms industry by supplying vital technological components.
- The Russian government has been trying to get the Soviet Union to accept the fact that the Soviet Union is not a member of the European Union, despite the presence of the EU's lone guest, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, at the Victory Day parade in Moscow.
- Amidst the tense war-and-conflict situation, a three-day ceasefire has been declared by Putin for the Victory Day celebrations, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declined participation in the brief truce, citing concerns about the security of the festivities for the Moscow elite.
- Venue security for the Victory Day parade has been bolstered due to the threat of Russian drone attacks, with internet access in Moscow being limited during the celebration, pointing to tensions with Ukraine.
- In a recent general news development, US Vice President JD Vance has called for Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, suggesting it as a crucial step towards achieving a ceasefire.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice and international politics, Beijing maintains close ties with Moscow, presenting itself as a neutral player in the Ukraine conflict, while the West accuses China of supporting Russia's arms industry by supplying vital technological components.
