Story perspectives

Zelensky: Russia Chooses Victory Day Parade Over Ceasefire.

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia cares only about its Victory Day parade, not a genuine ceasefire.
Zelensky reported Russian forces breached the cease-fire 1,820 times on May 6, striking Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Kherson and Sumy.
The Russian Defense Ministry warned it would launch a missile strike on central Kyiv if the May 9 parade were disrupted.
Zelensky advised foreign representatives not to attend the Moscow parade, calling attendance an odd desire.

History

Historical Context

The first Soviet Victory Day parade took place on 24 June 1945 on Red Square, with roughly 40,000 troops and 1,850 vehicles after Germany’s surrender on 9 May. After a long pause, it became an annual Russian event from 1995, linking the Great Patriotic War to present identity. In 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Moscow’s May 9 parade as a cover for attacks in Ukraine.

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Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia cares only about its Victory Day parade, not a genuine ceasefire.
Zelensky reported Russian forces breached the cease-fire 1,820 times on May 6, striking Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Kherson and Sumy.
The Russian Defense Ministry warned it would launch a missile strike on central Kyiv if the May 9 parade were disrupted.
Zelensky advised foreign representatives not to attend the Moscow parade, calling attendance an odd desire.

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