Kyiv, 4 May (H.S.): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that his government cannot ensure the safety of foreign delegations visiting Moscow for the Victory Day Parade on May 9, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He stated, We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the security situation in Russia.

Zelenskyy warned that Russia might stage provocations, such as arson or bombings, and falsely attribute them to Ukraine. Prominent leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are expected to attend the Moscow celebrations. In response, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current Security Council deputy chairman, labeled Zelenskyy’s remarks a verbal provocation.

Medvedev ominously suggested that following any provocation on Victory Day, Kyiv might face dire consequences.

Concurrently, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire starting May 8, which Ukraine dismissed as a manipulation and called instead for a comprehensive ceasefire.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar