Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that Moscow’s annual Victory Day celebrations on Red Square will not be targeted by Ukrainian forces, as Ukraine, Russia and the United States all publicly acknowledged a temporary three-day ceasefire despite continuing tensions surrounding the war.
Speaking during a televised address, Zelenskyy stated that “Red Square shall be excluded” from any Ukrainian military operations during the commemorations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
The announcement came as Russian authorities prepared for one of the country’s most symbolically important national events, held each year on 9 May in Moscow. The parade traditionally includes military vehicles, missile systems and thousands of troops marching through Red Square under the supervision of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Temporary ceasefire remains fragile
The declaration followed renewed diplomatic efforts involving the United States and other international intermediaries aimed at reducing the risk of escalation during the holiday period.
President Donald Trump also confirmed that discussions surrounding a temporary ceasefire had taken place, although fighting reportedly continued in several frontline regions despite the public statements from Kyiv and Moscow.
Russian military officials accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks near occupied territories in southern Ukraine, while Kyiv claimed Russian artillery operations had continued around contested areas in the east.
Despite those reports, both governments appeared eager to avoid a direct escalation during the Victory Day commemorations, which remain deeply tied to Russia’s national identity and wartime narrative.
Victory Day carries major symbolic importance
Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most politically sensitive and emotionally significant annual events. The celebrations commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 and are often used by the Kremlin to project military strength and patriotic unity.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the parade has taken on even greater political significance for the Russian government. Security measures surrounding this year’s event were reportedly among the most extensive in recent history due to fears of Ukrainian drone attacks and sabotage operations.
Analysts said Zelenskyy’s statement may have been intended to avoid provoking a wider escalation while also reinforcing Ukraine’s position that its military actions are directed at operational and strategic targets rather than symbolic civilian events.
War continues despite diplomatic gestures
Although the temporary ceasefire announcement lowered immediate concerns surrounding the parade itself, the broader conflict showed few signs of ending.
Fighting reportedly continued along several sections of the front line on Friday, while both Ukraine and Russia maintained military readiness and continued accusing each other of violating previous agreements.
International observers noted that short-term ceasefires have repeatedly collapsed throughout the conflict, often within days or even hours of being announced.
Diplomatic efforts involving the United States, European governments and regional intermediaries nevertheless continued behind the scenes as pressure mounted to prevent the conflict from escalating further during the coming weeks.
For now, the symbolic decision to spare Red Square during the Victory Day ceremonies represents a rare moment of restraint in a war otherwise defined by prolonged attrition, drone warfare and deepening geopolitical division.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – May 9, 2026
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