Zelenskyy not recommends representatives of states close to russia to be in moscow on May 9

The aggressor country wants to hold a parade safely on May 9 so that it can then resume killing Ukrainians. We do not recommend that representatives of certain states close to russia be in moscow on May 9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement in his evening video address on Thursday, May 7.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has repeatedly offered russia a ceasefire, specifically a complete ceasefire starting May 6, but has received attacks and new threats from the russian federation.

"They want Ukraine’s permission to hold their parade, to safely take to the square for an hour once a year, and then continue killing our people and waging war. The Russians are already talking about strikes after May 9. It’s strange and definitely illogical reasoning from the Russian leadership. We’ve also received messages from some countries close to Russia saying their representatives plan to be in Moscow. A strange desire… these days. We don’t recommend it,” said the President of Ukraine.

In addition, Zelenskyy noted the accuracy of Ukrainian soldiers who struck a missile ship capable of launching “Kalibr” missiles, as well as for hitting an oil industry facility in the Perm Oblast.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, leaders from only four countries will travel to the capital of the aggressor state, russia, on May 9 to participate in events dedicated to Victory Day. 

On May 4, the russian Ministry of Defense stated that russia had declared a ceasefire for May 8 and 9 to hold propaganda events in moscow. 

On May 6, the Kyiv Independent reported, citing its own sources, that Kyiv sees no reason to observe the ceasefire declared by russia.