Russia has warned foreign diplomats in Kyiv that it could launch strikes on the Ukrainian capital if Ukraine disrupts World War II Victory Day celebrations scheduled in Moscow this weekend. The warning reportedly includes potential attacks on “decision-making centers,” though no further details were provided.
Ukraine has not officially responded to the threat. The warning comes as Russia prepares for its annual May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, one of the country’s most significant national events.
As part of the commemorations, Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire covering May 8–9. However, fighting and cross-border strikes continued despite the declaration.
On Thursday, Russian officials reported that at least 13 people were injured in a Ukrainian strike on the border city of Bryansk. Ukrainian authorities, meanwhile, said one civilian was wounded in a Russian attack on the city of Dnipro, according to news agencies.
Russia also claimed it intercepted several drones targeting Moscow, while officials said air defense systems destroyed at least five unmanned aerial vehicles approaching the capital.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Moscow’s ceasefire announcement, saying Russia had ignored earlier Ukrainian proposals for a truce and continued daily attacks across multiple regions.
Zelensky said Ukraine would “respond in kind” to Russian violations, as both sides accused each other of breaking informal ceasefire expectations and escalating attacks along the front lines.
Meanwhile, fighting continues across eastern Ukraine, with both sides reporting ongoing clashes, drone strikes, and artillery fire, underscoring the continued intensity of the conflict as it enters another critical phase ahead of Russia’s May 9 military parade.
