A limited version of Russia’s annual Victory Day parade took place in Moscow as a three-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict came into effect, marking a tense pause in one of the world’s deadliest ongoing wars.
According to Beyond Time News, the temporary truce was linked to the May 9 celebrations and aimed at allowing prisoner exchanges and reducing active fighting during the event.
Ceasefire Announced Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to respect the short ceasefire after US President Donald Trump announced a three-day pause in fighting.
Russia also confirmed it would observe the truce, which Trump described as a possible step toward ending the war.
Trump said he hoped the ceasefire could eventually lead to a longer peace agreement and confirmed that a prisoner exchange was also part of the arrangement.
Victory Day Parade Held Under Tight Security
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, held annually on May 9, commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
President Vladimir Putin has long used the event to highlight national unity and military strength.
However, this year’s parade in Moscow was significantly scaled back due to security concerns following increased Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure.
For the first time in nearly two decades, military vehicles were not displayed in Red Square, and the overall event was reduced in size.
Limited Foreign Attendance
Only a few foreign leaders attended the ceremony, including officials from Belarus, Malaysia, and Laos, along with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
This was a notable decline compared to previous years, when high-profile leaders such as China’s Xi Jinping had participated.
Russian authorities also imposed temporary restrictions on mobile internet services in Moscow as part of heightened security measures.
Continued Fighting Despite Ceasefire
Despite the ceasefire announcement, both Russia and Ukraine reported continued military activity.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched dozens of drones overnight, while Moscow claimed it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones targeting multiple regions.
Both sides accused each other of violating the spirit of the truce, even as limited diplomatic efforts continued.
Read more:Russia Warns Diplomatic Missions to Evacuate Kyiv Over Possible Retaliatory Strike
War Continues Amid Diplomatic Efforts
The war, now in its fifth year, has caused massive destruction and heavy casualties on both sides. International attempts to reach a long-term peace deal have made little progress so far.
Ukraine has continued to carry out long-range strikes on Russian territory, while Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Despite ongoing hostilities, President Zelensky expressed hope for renewed diplomatic engagement, including possible talks involving US officials in the coming weeks.
Pakistan Extends Greetings on Victory Day
Separately, Pakistan also marked the occasion diplomatically.
President Asif Ali Zardari extended greetings to the Russian leadership and people on Victory Day, highlighting historical sacrifices during World War II.
He praised the resilience of the Russian people and expressed hope for stronger ties between Pakistan and Russia in the future.
Zardari also noted that shared cooperation could contribute to global peace, stability, and stronger international relations.
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