Vladimir Putin has issued a strong warning to Kyiv, stating that a significant military strike will be launched if drones interfere with his Moscow military parade on Saturday. The Russian defense ministry has advised civilians and diplomats to evacuate the city promptly if Volodymyr Zelensky decides to target the Red Square event, as it could result in a swift and massive retaliatory missile attack.
The threat from Russia suggests the deployment of the powerful hypersonic Oreshnik missile, which Putin claims can deliver an impact equivalent to a full-scale nuclear explosion in its conventional mode. Putin has emphasized the destructive potential of using multiple Oreshnik systems simultaneously, likening it to a nuclear strike.
Amid concerns over Ukraine’s advanced drone and missile capabilities, the Kremlin has raised alarms about the potential threat posed to the parade. Reports indicate that in case of an attack, the Red Square’s Lenin Mausoleum may serve as a refuge for VIP spectators during the annual Victory Day parade.
To safeguard the military parade, Putin has declared a unilateral ceasefire covering Friday and Saturday. However, Zelensky has warned of a proportional response if Putin breaches the ceasefire agreement. The Russian Defense ministry has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to secure the parade, a traditional event overseen by Putin.
Russia has scaled down the parade preparations due to security concerns, with plans to utilize the Lenin Mausoleum as an emergency shelter for key spectators. Meanwhile, Ukraine has demonstrated increasing dominance in long-range strikes and territorial gains, as evidenced by recent missile attacks on Russian facilities.
The ongoing tensions between the two nations have escalated, with both sides engaging in strategic strikes and countermeasures. Despite the threats and military actions, the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation on the horizon.