Russia and Ukraine accused each other Friday of violating a unilateral ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin to coincide with World War II Victory Day commemorations, as fighting, drone strikes and sweeping security measures continued into the weekend.
The truce, set for May 8-9, was intended to cover celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany. Ukraine rejected the limited pause, calling instead for a broader and immediate ceasefire, which Moscow did not accept.
Despite the announcement, both sides reported continued hostilities. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 264 Ukrainian drones overnight and accused Ukrainian forces of striking military positions and civilian areas in border regions including Belgorod and Kursk. Ukrainian officials said Russian forces also continued attacks overnight, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying Moscow had shown “no genuine attempt” to halt fighting.
Moscow tightens security ahead of Saturday parade
Russia has placed Moscow on heightened alert ahead of Saturday’s Victory Day parade in Red Square, one of the country’s most significant annual events. Authorities have deployed additional security forces, restricted movement in parts of the capital, and disrupted mobile internet services as a precaution against potential drone attacks.
The Kremlin confirmed President Vladimir Putin’s security has been reinforced, describing the measures as routine during major holidays while also citing what it calls an ongoing “terrorist threat” from Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Western reports suggesting extraordinary internal security concerns.
The parade, traditionally a showcase of Russian military power, has reportedly been scaled back this year due to the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes. Moscow has also warned foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv if any disruption occurs during the commemorations.
The conflict, now in its fifth year since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, continues with no clear path to resolution. Russia occupies roughly 19.4% of Ukrainian territory, though its advances have slowed this year, according to pro-Ukrainian assessments.
Peace talks remain stalled, with Ukraine rejecting Moscow’s demands for territorial concessions. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have increasingly framed domestic restrictions — including internet disruptions and expanded security controls — as necessary responses to sustained Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russian territory.
