Ukrainian Drone Attacks Target Moscow Ahead of Victory Day
As the Russian capital gears up for the annual Victory Day celebrations on May 8, Ukrainian drones continued to pose a significant threat. This marked the second consecutive night that Moscow came under drone attack, drawing heightened responses from Russian authorities.
Details on Drone Interceptions
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported through Telegram that overnight, at least 19 drones were intercepted on their way to the city. This followed a previous incident where four drones were neutralized near Moscow on Sunday night.
While no casualties or major structural damage were reported, debris from the downed drones did affect a major highway, leading to temporary flight suspensions at four airports in the Moscow area. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a total of 105 drones were intercepted across various regions overnight.
Impact on Victory Day Preparations
The impending Victory Day events in Russia commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, with major celebrations planned nationwide. The key event in Moscow is a military parade, which will be attended by President Vladimir Putin and a number of foreign dignitaries, including Xi Jinping, President of China, along with leaders from Belarus, Venezuela, and Brazil.
Security Concerns in Crimea
In response to the drone strikes, Russian officials in Crimea have canceled their planned Victory Day parade, citing security risks. Mikhail Razvozhayev, Governor of Sevastopol, stated that the event would not take place due to these concerns.
Ceasefire and Ongoing Conflict
Amid escalating tensions, President Putin proposed a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 11 coinciding with Victory Day. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly rejected the offer, advocating instead for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire as a foundation for broader negotiations to end the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy referred to Putin’s proposed ceasefire as part of a “theatrical performance,” emphasizing the impossibility of formulating peace strategies within such a limited timeframe. He also warned that Kyiv cannot guarantee the safety of guests attending the festivities in Moscow, stating, “We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation.” He expressed concerns about potential provocations that could be orchestrated to frame Ukraine.
Russian Strikes on Ukraine
On the Ukrainian side, drone strikes continued as well, with reports indicating that 11 individuals were injured from a Russian drone attack in Kharkiv on May 6. The Ukrainian air force confirmed that out of 136 drones launched into the country overnight, 54 were shot down, with many more causing property damage in regions such as Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk.
Conclusion
As both nations navigate through heightened military activities and security concerns, the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow remain shrouded in tension. This series of events highlights the ongoing volatility of the situation and the challenges ahead for both Ukrainian and Russian leadership.