Medvedev threatens Ukraine over May 9 possible provocation

Former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, warned that if any attacks occur on May 9, Victory Day, there may be no May 10 for Kyiv. His remarks came in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s comments regarding the safety of foreign delegates attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

“He should understand that if a provocation occurs on Victory Day, no one can guarantee that May 10 will come for Kyiv,” Medvedev said.

On April 28, the Kremlin announced a temporary three-day ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. However, Zelenskyy dismissed the move as theatrical, instead advocating for a 30-day ceasefire in line with a US-backed proposal.

Speaking about the security of foreign leaders in Russia during the celebrations, Zelenskyy clarified: “We cannot take responsibility for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They [Russia] are responsible for your safety.”

Russia expects representatives from about 20 countries to attend the May 9 parade in Moscow, marking the 80th Victory Day since the end of World War II. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, leaders from China, Belarus, Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Slovakia, and Serbia are among those scheduled to attend.