Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting today. This decision comes as Russia prepares for a grand celebration of the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany. The ceasefire is seen by many as a strategic move to coincide with the lavish Victory Day parade in Moscow, where Putin will host over two dozen world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the ceasefire as mere theatrics. He believes it is a cynical tactic by Putin to safeguard his parade rather than genuinely protect lives. The Kremlin is eager to impress its guests and showcase a united front to the world, especially in light of ongoing tensions with the West.
This year’s Victory Day is particularly significant for Russia, marking a moment of national pride. The attendance of notable leaders from countries such as Brazil, Egypt, and Vietnam is viewed as a public relations victory for Moscow. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov emphasized that the guest list demonstrates Russia’s rising influence globally.
However, the ceasefire has not been fully embraced by Ukraine. Kyiv has called for a more extended, 30-day pause and has stated it cannot guarantee the safety of the foreign dignitaries visiting Russia. This uncertainty raises the possibility of a Ukrainian attack during the parade, which could be a significant embarrassment for Putin. Yet, such an event is deemed unlikely given the current circumstances.
Despite the ceasefire, Ukraine has been actively disrupting Russian preparations for the parade. Recent drone attacks have led to repeated flight suspensions at Moscow’s airports, coinciding with the arrival of foreign leaders. For instance, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic faced a long journey to Moscow due to flight interruptions.
As Ukraine continues its efforts to convey disapproval of the Russian celebration, the situation remains tense. The international community is watching closely, and the outcome of these events could have lasting implications for the ongoing conflict and diplomatic relations in the region.