According to the Tagesspiegel, the Kremlin reacted angrily to Zelensky's remark. A spokesperson called the comment a "stupid joke" and warned: "Woe to anyone who tries to make fun of it." The parade will take place under the protection of a three-day ceasefire agreed upon by Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin will oversee the military parade on May 9 in Moscow. This year's event will be significantly smaller than in previous years: As reported by WELT, the Russian military has opted not to showcase tanks and missiles due to security concerns arising from the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky publicly referred to the parade as "approved" before the ceasefire began. This phrasing caused head-shaking in Russia, as it implies that the Ukrainian president granted permission for the celebrations. The Kremlin interpreted this as a provocation.
The ceasefire came into effect on May 8 and is set to last until May 10. It has been described by both sides as a humanitarian measure to facilitate the evacuation of civilians. Tagesschau reported that hostilities have indeed ceased in most front sections.
The military parade for "Victory Day" is a central event in Russia, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. In recent years, Putin has regularly used the parade to demonstrate strength and stir nationalist sentiments.
Guardian reports that this year's parade will take place under heightened security measures. Authorities in Moscow have limited the number of spectators and increased security forces due to drone attacks on the Russian capital in recent weeks.
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
