Security Fears Disrupt Russia's Victory Day Parade

Russia's 80th Victory Day parade in Moscow has faced major security challenges, including a shooting during parade rehearsals and increased threats of terror attacks. The event is set to be attended by world leaders such as China's President Xi Jinping and Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic, though Vucic's travel was disrupted by airport closures following Ukraine's largest-ever drone assault on Russia. In response to the heightened risks, Russian President Putin declared a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the celebrations, but both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating the truce. Several Russian cities, including Sevastopol and Krasnodar, have canceled their traditional parades due to safety concerns. The presence of foreign leaders at the Moscow parade has drawn criticism from the European Union, which warned that such participation could be interpreted as support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Security concerns and cancellations underscore the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on Russia's Victory Day commemorations.