**Russia’s Victory Day Celebrations Marred by Ukraine’s Drone Strikes**
For the second night in a row, Russia’s capital city has been targeted by Ukrainian attack drones. The Kremlin reported downing three drones on May 6, just days before the highly-anticipated Victory Day parade in Moscow.
While drone attacks on Russian soil are not unprecedented, the timing of these strikes has raised eyebrows. Experts believe Ukraine is sending a message to Russia that it will not be intimidated or bullied without consequence.
“Ukraine is reminding Russia that it can’t act with impunity in Ukraine and not expect any payback,” said John Foreman, former U.K. Defense Attache in Moscow. “And that stunt three-day ceasefires are worthless.”
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9 mark the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The event is a key part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s propaganda efforts to justify aggression against Ukraine, which he falsely describes as “Nazis.” This year’s guest list includes Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
However, experts have criticized Russia’s unilateral announcement of a three-day ceasefire from May 8-11. This move was described by President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “theatrical performance.” Experts note that ceasefires must be negotiated between both sides to be legitimate.
“Putin is still treating the Ukrainians as though they will have to accept whatever terms he dictates,” said Jenny Mathers, a Russian political expert and lecturer at Aberystwyth University. “Drone attacks on Russia’s capital could be intended to remind Putin that he cannot assume he will have everything his own way.”
While Ukraine has not commented on the drone attacks this week, experts believe Kyiv may be trying to embarrass Putin by creating problems around Russia’s ability to pull off its Victory Day parade. The attack on May 6 forced temporary shutdowns of four airports in Moscow Oblast, including Sheremetyevo International Airport.
With a handful of world leaders set to attend the event, any disruption to the main ceremony would be disastrous for Putin. The Kremlin has already taken measures to secure the area, restricting mobile internet access and imposing mobile network outages during rehearsals for the parade.
As we approach May 9, the fate of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations hangs in the balance. Will Ukraine continue to disrupt Moscow’s plans, or will the Kremlin manage to pull off its propaganda event without a hitch? Only time will tell.
