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Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a Victory Day threat to Putin sparking fury in Russia (Image: Getty)
Moscow has accused Ukraine of making a "direct threat" after Volodymyr Zelensky warned Kyiv wouldn't offer any security guarantees during Russia's Victory Day commemoration on May 9. Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a three-day ceasefire on Monday (April 28) to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and allies' victory in World War 2.
The Kremlin said the ceasefire would include May 8, May 9 and May 10. Putin will host leaders from around the world on May 9, including China's President Xi Jinping. Mr Zelensky said Russia's ceasefire announcement was just an attempt to create a "soft atmosphere" ahead of Russia’s celebrations. He added: "It looks unserious so that Putin’s guests on Red Square feel comfortable and safe."
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The Ukrainian leader said his country cannot provide security assurances to foreign officials planning to visit Russia around that date and claimed Moscow could stage provocations and later attempt to blame Ukraine. Mr Zelensky said some governments had approached Kyiv seeking safety reassurances while their delegations were in Russia.
He said: "Our position is very simple: we cannot take responsibility for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are the ones providing your security and we will not be offering any guarantees."
Mr Zelensky said he had instructed Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry to advise against visiting Russia over those days. He added: "We must tell those who approach us: we do not recommend visiting the Russian Federation from a security standpoint. And if you choose to do so, don’t ask us — it’s your personal decision."
Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Friday (May 2), Mr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire but emphasised it has to last for 30 days, as initially proposed by the US.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Mr Zelensky of "unequivocally" threatening the world leaders planning to arrive in Moscow on May 9.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday (May 3) that Moscow expects Kyiv to take steps to de-escalate before Victory Day.
He told reporters: "We will, of course, expect (from) Kyiv not ambiguous, but final statements, and most importantly, actions aimed at de-escalating the conflict during the holidays."
Peskov claimed Russia's ceasefire proposals were meant to "test" Kyiv's readiness to find ways for a long-term sustainable peace between Russia and Ukraine.
In response to a question about Britain's potential role in peace negotiations, Peskov said the UK could not take on a mediating role.
He said: "A mediator can only be someone who has an equal distance in relation to the parties to the conflict. London is not and cannot be one."
Peskov also said the Kremlin has no information about a potential visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Moscow on May 9.
Meanwhile, officials have said a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, wounded 47 people. The strike prompted another appeal from Mr Zelensky for more decisive support from the country’s allies.
Kharkiv Mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said drones hit 12 places across the city on Friday. Residential buildings, civilian infrastructure and vehicles were damaged, according to Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov.
Putin declared a unilateral three day ceasefire, which Kyiv roundly dismissed (Image: Getty)
The Kharkiv Prosecutor’s Office said on Saturday that Russian forces used drones with thermobaric warheads. In a statement on Telegram, it said thermobaric weapons create a powerful blast wave and a hot cloud of smoke, causing large-scale destruction.
The prosecutor said its use may indicate a deliberate violation of international humanitarian law.
Mr Zelensky posted on X: "While the world hesitates with decisions, nearly every night in Ukraine turns into a nightmare, costing lives. Ukraine needs strengthened air defence. Strong and real decisions are needed from our partners — the United States, Europe, all our partners who seek peace."
Putin's forces fired a total of 183 exploding drones and decoys overnight, according to Ukraine's air force. Of those, 77 were intercepted and a further 73 lost, likely having been electronically jammed. Russia also launched two ballistic missiles.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defences shot down 170 Ukrainian drones overnight. The ministry said eight cruise missiles and three guided missiles were also intercepted.
In southern Russia, five people, including two children, were injured in a drone strike on the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk overnight, according to Mayor Andrey Kravchenko.
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