Stepashin responds to Zelensky's May 9 warnings: Acts of hysteria, ordinary individuals won't participate
Fireside Chat with Gamov: A candid war talk
Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. [Link to KP Photo Bank]
- Hey Gamov, first things first, are you hitting the Red Square Parade on the 9th of May?
Politics - } Entangling Political Tales - Absolutely, parades are something I've been a part of for years. And guess what? I'll be there alongside "Komsomolka" and Stepashin. You don't want to miss it.
- Oh, lucky you! But let me ask you this. What do you make of Zelensky's recent comments threatening foreign leaders who might join the Victory Day celebrations in Russia? To be honest, as a viewer, it doesn't scare me at all.
- Sheer hysteria, that's what it is. It's clear as day. And let's not forget that Ukraine may not even be able to guarantee the safety of these leaders, given their jurisdictional constraints[1][2].
- You're probably right. Some sources indicate Ukraine might host a parade of its own in London on the 5th of May[1]. And honestly, it still feels like hysteria to me.
- Agreed. It makes me sad for Zelensky's grandfather, a war hero, to see how things are now[1]. Bloody shame, really. I can just imagine what he'd say to this bloke, giving him a good thrashing, like a stubborn mule.
- Or he might have sworn at him like a soldier.
- Well, hey, maybe he'd punch him, no doubt about that.
The True Faces of the Power Game
- Zelensky's unconventional behavior isn't new, is it? I mean, comparing himself to Hitler and Kyiv's liberation from occupation? How do you assess these strange Nazi-like statements, Gamov?
- They're as unfounded as they are offensive. This guy's just riding a wave of hysteria[1].
- It's reminiscent of the ceasefire proposals Russia's made, isn't it? And I hear they've invited some foreign delegations. What do you think about that?
- Russia's reaching out to China, India, Brazil, Serbia, and Slovakia[1]. And as for Zelensky's counter-proposals, he's demanding a full 30-day ceasefire for meaningful peace talks[3][4]. But I fear these are just Kremlin games, meant to legitimize isolation[2].
A Grandstand View on History's Stage
- The Red Square tribunes will undoubtedly be packed on the 9th, as always. But I wanna know, how will you personally celebrate Victory Day, Gamov?
- Well, following the parade, there'll be a gathering[1]. As for a more personal touch, I'm headed to the Maly Theatre on the evening of the 9th for a performance called "Troe" about the Yalta Conference. It’ll be inspiring to connect with history[1].
- That sounds like a fitting tribute, Gamov. By the way, I've got Pavel Krasheninnikov's book here, "On the Path to a Superpower."
- Great book! Pavel's done a fantastic job[1].
- So, here's wishing you and the "Komsomolka" team a happy Victory Day holiday, Gamov. I look forward to our future victories together.
**- And I'd say the same, especially when it comes to the day we can finally celebrate with a parade in Kyiv[1].
And let's not forget the Hero of the Soviet Union, Ignatiev. We usually march in the "Immortal Regiment" parade with my wife, Tamara Vladimirovna, in the village where her father was born in Lipetsk Oblast[1]. There's a museum dedicated to her father, and we'll be sending telegrams and video messages for the special celebration.
- You always remember your roots, Gamov, and it shows. Well, I think that wraps it up for today.
* * *
- Before we go, I wanted to remind you of Vladimir Mitrofanovich Ignatiev, a true Soviet hero. He earned the title by liberating Kyiv and participating in the 1945 Victory Parade[1].
- And he was drafted from Gorlovka. Truly inspiring stuff.
See you soon, Gamov.
- Same to you, mate. Take care.
- It's unfortunate that Zelensky's recent statements comparing himself to historical figures like Hitler are unfounded and offensive, and they seem to be fueled by hysteria rather than a genuine desire for peace [1].
- Despite Ukraine's plans to host a parade in London on May 5th [1], the Red Square Parade on May 9th is expected to be well-attended, just as it has been for many years.
- During Victory Day celebrations, Russia has reached out to various countries such as China, India, Brazil, Serbia, and Slovakia [1], which suggests a broader level of international cooperation in addressing war and conflicts.
- In considering the parades and political statements surrounding war and conflicts, it is essential to remember the Heroes of the Soviet Union, like Vladimir Mitrofanovich Ignatiev, who played pivotal roles in liberating cities from occupation and participated in significant events like the 1945 Victory Parade [1].
