Zelenskyy Criticizes Moscow's Victory Day Parade Amid Rising Tensions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized Russia's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, describing them as a 'parade of cynicism, bile, and lies' amid the ongoing war. Zelenskyy and his officials argue that Russia is using the occasion for propaganda while continuing its aggression against Ukraine, drawing a stark contrast between the realities faced by Ukrainians and the spectacle in Moscow. Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on the Russian capital, aiming to disrupt the event and embarrass President Putin in front of visiting world leaders. Security in Moscow is heightened, with the city center locked down, digital outages, and concerns over possible provocations or false-flag attacks. Kyiv has rejected the Kremlin's proposal for a short ceasefire, labeling it political manipulation to enable Victory Day festivities, and instead continues to push for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a genuine step toward peace. The parade, attended by leaders from several countries despite EU criticism, has become emblematic of Russia's defiance and the deepening divide between the two nations.