Medvedev issues a caution to Zelensky regarding potential controversy on May 9's celebration.
Mixed Messages Ahead of Victory Day
In the lead-up to Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev are escalating. Medvedev recently called out Zelensky, suggesting he's engaging in "verbal provocation" for questioning Russia's ability to ensure world leaders' safety at the Moscow parade.
Despite this, Zelensky has repeatedly rejected the proposed Russian ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory. Instead, he insists on Ukraine's unconditional demand for a 30-day ceasefire, which has been supported by the US. The Kremlin, on the other hand, has announced that the parade in Moscow will proceed as planned, despite threats of "terrorist acts" from Kyiv by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
The Ukrainian government, under Zelensky, remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring territorial integrity, including Crimea and occupied regions. However, Russia's ongoing military operations appear to challenge this goal, resulting in a stalemate in negotiations. Recent assessments reveal that Russian forces have suffered heavy casualties while gaining territory in 2025, averaging approximately 99 casualties per square kilometer.
Ukraine relies heavily on Western support to sustain its defense, while Russia prioritizes localized advances, like around Kupyansk and Chasiv Yar, over diplomatic solutions. As of now, direct negotiations between Zelensky and Medvedev remain elusive.
Looking ahead, it remains uncertain whether a ceasefire will be achieved, or if the current deadlock will continue. With Victory Day rapidly approaching, the stage is set for potentially heated exchanges between the two nations.
Zelensky has not agreed to the Russian proposed ceasefire for Victory Day, instead demanding a 30-day unconditional ceasefire that has US support. Medvedev, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, accused Zelensky of verbal provocation for questioning Russia's ability to guarantee world leaders' safety at the Moscow parade. The Kremlin continues to plan the parade despite threats of terrorist acts from Kyiv. In politics and war-and-conflicts news, the stalemate in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia persists, with the Ukrainian government still committed to restoring territorial integrity, including Crimea and occupied regions.
