© picture alliance / Anadolu | Natalia Kolesnikova
On Saturday, May 9, Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with "Victory Day". If Ukraine disrupts the celebration, there will be "massive retaliatory attacks," the Russians warn.
To mark "Victory Day," traditionally celebrated with a military parade in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral cease-fire for May 8 and 9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy already called it a "cynical attempt" to prevent Ukraine from disrupting the Moscow parade with missile and drone attacks. The parade will be much more modest than in the past, with little or no military equipment.
"Russia urges embassies to ensure 'timely evacuation' of staff and civilians from Kiev in the event of a Russian attack," the French news agency AFP reported on social media. The Russian Foreign Ministry warns of a retaliatory attack on Kiev if Ukraine were to disrupt the May 9 memorial ceremonies in Moscow.
Picture: © picture alliance / Anadolu | Natalia Kolesnikova