Vladimir Putin has threatened Kyiv with what he described as a “massive strike” if Ukrainian forces attempt to disrupt Russia’s major military parade in Moscow this weekend, in a stark escalation of rhetoric ahead of the high-profile Red Square event.
The Russian defence ministry warned that civilians and foreign diplomats should leave Moscow if any attempt is made by Ukraine to target the parade, which is due to take place on Saturday, citing the risk of a rapid and “massive retaliatory missile strike”.
The warning has fuelled fears of further escalation in the war, with the Kremlin’s messaging suggesting the potential use of advanced missile systems, including the hypersonic Oreshnik, which President Putin has previously claimed possesses the destructive power of a nuclear explosion in its conventional configuration.
Russian state-aligned media has also suggested the system could be configured for nuclear use, intensifying concerns over the scale of any possible response.
The threats come amid heightened anxiety in Moscow over Ukraine’s expanding long-range strike capabilities, with Russian officials increasingly warning that Ukrainian drones and missiles pose a direct risk to the capital’s annual Victory Day commemorations.
One report suggested contingency plans have even included the use of Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum on Red Square as an emergency shelter for VIP guests attending the parade, reflecting concerns within the Kremlin over potential security breaches. Lenin’s embalmed body has been preserved in a glass sarcophagus in the mausoleum since his death in 1924.
Putin has announced a unilateral ceasefire covering Friday and Saturday to coincide with the parade, which marks the anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Second World War. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signalled that Kyiv will respond symmetrically to Russian actions and has previously warned that Ukrainian drones could reach the parade.
In its latest statement, the Russian defence ministry said it would take “all necessary measures” to secure the event and warned of severe consequences if Ukraine attempted any disruption.
It said: “If the Kyiv regime attempts to implement its criminal plans to disrupt the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Armed Forces will launch a massive retaliatory missile strike on the centre of Kyiv. We warn the civilian population of Kyiv and employees of foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city promptly.”
The escalation in rhetoric comes as Ukraine continues to step up long-range attacks on Russian territory. Missile alerts were reported across multiple regions overnight, including areas deep inside Siberia, while Ukrainian strikes were also reported on industrial infrastructure supporting Russia’s defence sector.
The growing intensity of cross-border attacks has raised fresh questions over the stability of any informal ceasefire arrangements, with both sides accusing the other of preparing provocations ahead of the Moscow parade.
Meanwhile, reports from Russian sources suggest that some military personnel have been moved from frontline positions to participate in parade rehearsals in Moscow, underscoring the Kremlin’s determination to stage a large-scale display of military strength despite security concerns.
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