Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia’s flagship Victory Day celebrations could face attack in response to continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, as tensions escalate ahead of one of Moscow’s most symbolic annual events.
The warning comes amid reports of fresh casualties in Ukraine and mounting claims of heightened secrecy and security measures inside the Kremlin, including suggestions that Russian President Vladimir Putin is operating under increasingly restrictive protection arrangements.
May 9, known as Victory Day, is Russia’s most significant military commemorative event, traditionally marked by large-scale parades on Red Square designed to project strength and national unity.
However, according to Ukrainian officials, this year’s event will be “a shadow” of previous displays, as Moscow faces both battlefield pressure and growing security concerns at home.
President Zelensky said: “Russia has announced a parade on May 9, but there will be no military equipment at this parade.
“This will be the first time in many, many years that they cannot afford the presence of weapons at the parade. And Ukrainian drones can also strike this parade. This shows that they are no longer as strong as before.”
Zelensky’s comments follow reports of continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory, including fatalities in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian officials said at least four civilians were killed in recent attacks, underscoring the continued intensity of the conflict.
At the same time, claims circulated by independent Russian media and intelligence-linked reporting suggest deepening unease within Russia’s security establishment.
The outlet Important Stories reported, citing an unnamed European intelligence assessment, that the Kremlin has become increasingly concerned about internal security threats, including the risk of assassination attempts involving drones and possible political destabilisation.
It also claimed that security around senior officials has been significantly tightened, with more stringent access controls and reduced movement of the Russian president beyond centralised secure locations.
The report further suggested that elements within Russia’s elite may be under suspicion amid fears of internal power struggles, with former defence minister Sergei Shoigu cited in speculative reporting as a figure of interest in internal political dynamics.
Analysts quoted in the same reporting described the situation as reflecting growing strain within Russia’s governing structures as the war in Ukraine continues, alongside economic pressure and repeated Ukrainian strikes on infrastructure inside Russia.
One researcher cited suggested that the combination of battlefield stagnation, drone attacks on Russian territory and internal political tension could be contributing to a “war between power centres” within the Russian state.
Separately, Ukrainian officials argue that continued strikes on Russian military and logistical targets are part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Moscow’s war effort and reduce its operational capacity.
The Kremlin has not publicly responded to the latest claims regarding internal security fears or alleged restrictions on movement of senior leadership.
Despite speculation, Russia is expected to proceed with its Victory Day commemorations, although questions remain over the scale and visibility of this year’s military display as the war continues to reshape both the battlefield and the political atmosphere in Moscow.
Leave a Comment