**Moscow Under Attack: Drones Intercepted Ahead of Victory Day Celebrations**
In a shocking turn of events, four drones were intercepted overnight near Moscow, just days before Russia’s annual Victory Day parade. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for more attacks in the lead-up to the highly symbolic holiday.
According to reports from Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and the Russian Defense Ministry, the drones were shot down near the town of Podolsk, south of the capital. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage reported as a result of the incident. However, the strikes did reportedly disrupt operations at Moscow’s airports, with videos shared on Russian social media appearing to capture the sound of air defense systems in the area.
The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for further attacks in the lead-up to Victory Day, which marks the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The holiday is a highly symbolic event in Russia, with a military parade scheduled to take place in Moscow’s Red Square.
**Is This a Rehearsal for Victory Day?**
The timing of the drone attack has led many to speculate about its true intentions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned on May 3 that Russia could stage provocations around the event and attempt to blame Ukraine. The drone strike appears to be just such a provocation, designed to create tension and undermine confidence in Ukraine’s ability to maintain peace.
**Russia’s Ceasefire Claims Under Scrutiny**
The incident has also raised questions about Russia’s claims of a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 11. Zelensky dismissed the move as a “theatrical performance,” accusing Russia of using brief ceasefires to manipulate international perception while continuing its attacks before and after.
This is not the first time that Russia has announced a ceasefire, only to violate it soon afterwards. Earlier this month, Russia declared a ceasefire over the Easter holiday, though Zelensky accused Moscow of nearly 3,000 violations between April 19 and April 21. Ukraine has also said that Russian forces repeatedly breached a partial truce on attacks against energy facilities brokered on March 25.
**What Does This Mean for Peace Talks?**
The drone attack has raised questions about Russia’s true intentions regarding peace talks with Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly proclaimed its readiness for peace talks, but Kyiv has dismissed these declarations as propaganda stunts, noting that Russian forces have only intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns.
In light of the drone attack and Russia’s ceasefire claims, it seems clear that Moscow is not interested in genuine peace negotiations. Rather, it appears to be using these tactics to create a smokescreen for its continued aggression against Ukraine.
