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Russia threatens Kyiv with annihilation if Ukraine dares to target Moscow during the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, as ceasefire talks devolve into hostile exchanges between world powers.
Key Takeaways
- Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev issued an ominous threat that “Kyiv will not live to see May 10” if Ukraine attempts to disrupt Victory Day celebrations
- President Putin proposed a limited three-day ceasefire (May 8-10), while President Zelenskyy countered with a request for a 30-day truce
- The US under President Trump presented a ceasefire plan favorable to Russia, which Ukraine and European allies rejected as overly conciliatory
- Russia continues aggressive military actions despite peace talks, recently launching drone attacks on Kyiv residential areas
- North Korea has officially acknowledged providing military assistance to Russia against Ukraine
Escalating Threats As Victory Day Approaches
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have reached alarming new heights as the May 9 Victory Day celebrations approach. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued what amounts to a death threat against Ukraine’s capital, warning that any provocation during the commemorations could result in Kyiv’s destruction. The upcoming 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict, with both sides using the occasion to posture politically while rejecting each other’s ceasefire proposals.
“(Zelenskyy) understands that in the event of a real provocation on Victory Day, nobody will be able to guarantee that Kyiv will live to see May 10,” said Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
President Vladimir Putin has proposed a three-day ceasefire spanning May 8-10, ostensibly to allow for solemn commemoration of the World War II victory. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promptly rejected this limited offer, describing it as merely a “theatrical show” designed for propaganda purposes. Instead, Zelenskyy countered with a proposal for a more substantial 30-day ceasefire, which the Kremlin has shown no interest in accepting.
Trump’s Peace Plan Meets European Resistance
President Donald Trump’s administration put forward a ceasefire plan on April 17 that proved controversial among European allies. The proposal included significant concessions to Russia, including recognition of Russian control over Crimea and parts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson. Additionally, Trump’s plan would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and call for the immediate lifting of sanctions against Russia, terms that European leaders found unacceptably favorable to Moscow.
“If you want the killing to stop, you should put the pressure on Russia, which actually does the killing,” said Kaja Kallas, European Union Foreign Policy Chief.
Ukraine and European partners responded with their own counterproposal on April 23, suggesting that territorial negotiations be deferred until after a ceasefire and insisting on the United States serving as a guarantor state. Their plan called for a gradual lifting of sanctions only after peace had been established and rejected restrictions on Ukrainian or allied military presence. Russia promptly dismissed these ideas, particularly opposing the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine.
Violence Continues Despite Peace Talks
Even as diplomatic overtures are made, Russia has continued aggressive military operations against Ukraine. Shortly after the European-Ukrainian peace proposal was presented, Russian forces launched a devastating attack on Kyiv that killed civilians. This attack prompted criticism from European leaders and reportedly tested President Trump’s patience with Putin. After meeting with Zelenskyy in Rome, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s actions and hinted at potential sanctions.
“While claiming to seek peace, Russia launched a deadly air attack on Kyiv. This isn’t a pursuit of peace, it’s a mockery of it. The real obstacle is not Ukraine, but Russia, whose war aims have not changed,”
Intense fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have successfully expelled Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region with assistance from North Korean military units. North Korea has now officially acknowledged its military involvement, a significant development that further complicates the international dimensions of the conflict. Additionally, Russia has been expanding its military presence along its borders with the European Union and NATO, particularly near Finland.
Safety Concerns For International Guests
As foreign dignitaries consider attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, safety concerns have become paramount. Zelenskyy has explicitly stated that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of international leaders who choose to attend the Moscow events. This statement, while factually accurate regarding Ukraine’s inability to control Russian security measures, has been interpreted by Russian officials as a veiled threat.
“We cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are responsible for your security, and therefore we will not give you any guarantees,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing potential foreign attendees of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Putin has attempted to downplay concerns about potential nuclear escalation, stating, “There has been no need to use those weapons.” He has also expressed hope for eventual reconciliation with Ukraine, claiming, “It seems to me that this is inevitable despite the tragedy we are currently experiencing.” However, these conciliatory statements stand in stark contrast to Russia’s continuing military actions and the threatening language employed by other Russian officials like Medvedev.