Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly condemned Russia for targeting rescuers in a ruthless missile attack, warning of retaliatory actions. The Kremlin’s forces struck a gas production facility in Poltava, Ukraine, triggering a massive fire and launching a second attack when emergency services responded. This deadly assault, resulting in the loss of five lives, including two rescuers, prompted a fierce reaction from Zelensky just before Russia’s Victory Day Parade.
Zelensky emphasized the need for peace and urged Russia to cease fire to end the ongoing conflict. He expressed outrage at the missile strike on State Emergency Service personnel while they were extinguishing the fire, describing it as a cruel act. Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs condemned the deliberate attacks on life-saving individuals and vowed to document every Russian war crime.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 164 drones overnight, with most threats intercepted by air defenses. The Russian strikes were believed to be in retaliation for a prior Ukrainian missile strike on a Moscow apartment block, prompting Russia to brace for further Ukrainian counterattacks aimed at disrupting the upcoming Victory Day parade.
The annual Victory Parade Day, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, typically features impressive displays of military might. However, due to the strain caused by the conflict in Ukraine, Putin’s military arsenal may be significantly depleted, potentially affecting the showcase of military power at this year’s event.
Reports indicate that Russia is redeploying combat-capable soldiers from frontline positions to prepare for the parade, impacting operational effectiveness in key areas. The removal of experienced personnel from units operating in Ukraine and the increased presence of inexperienced and wounded troops at the front lines have been noted by the partisan movement Atesh.
Security measures for the event have been heightened amid concerns of a large-scale Ukrainian assault to embarrass Putin publicly. The Russian leader is said to be spending more time in underground bunkers out of fear of a possible internal coup. Recent large-scale attacks by Russia across Ukraine have resulted in casualties and damage in various regions, further escalating tensions between the two nations.