Zelenskyy says Russia’s Victory Day parade now depends on Ukraine, urges end to war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia’s reliance on Ukraine’s possible actions regarding its 9 May Victory Day parade demonstrates the need for Moscow to bring the war to an end.

Zelenskyy said Russia had already received a “clear proposal” from Ukraine for a ceasefire and a diplomatic process, adding that Moscow is aware of how to contact Ukraine or its international partners to agree on the details.

“But if the one person in Moscow who cannot live without war is only interested in a parade and nothing else, that is a different matter,” he said.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine remains committed to working towards peace and seeks what he described as a dignified end to the conflict.

“Russia has gone so far in this war that even their main parade now depends on us. That is a clear signal: they must end it,” the President said.