In a poignant video address for the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke directly to the nation while walking through Kyiv’s vibrant Khreschatyk street. Recorded in a personal selfie style, his message emphasized the inevitable downfall of evil, encapsulating the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit in the face of adversity.
“This day reminds us of an important pattern: every evil inevitably comes to an end,” Zelenskyy stated as he made his way towards Independence Square. His presence in the bustling thoroughfare contrasted sharply with the scene on February 24, when Khreschatyk lay silent and deserted, devoid of both vehicles and pedestrians. “Three years ago, when I recorded an Independence Day address, burned Russian vehicles stood here. And that is the only kind of parade evil can get here,” he remarked.
Contrasting celebrations: Kyiv vs. Moscow
Filming his address on May 7, the Ukrainian president engaged with citizens freely, capturing the essence of life returning to normalcy in the capital. This stood in stark contrast to the heightened security measures unfolding in Moscow ahead of the city’s Victory Parade, set for Friday. “The difference between life on Independence Square and a parade of fear on Red Square,” he highlighted, underscoring the contrasting atmospheres in the two capitals.
“You did repeat. You repeated all that evil. Ukraine saw it. The whole world saw it.”
Zelenskyy anticipated a display of military might in Moscow, describing it as a procession of “marching blocks of killers” and “staged crowds.” He specifically referenced the WWII Soviet slogan ‘we can do it again,’ which has been co-opted by Russia amidst its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He condemned the leaders partaking in the parade as representatives of “the sect that is called ‘We can repeat’,” linking them to the atrocities witnessed in Ukraine.
Security concerns loom over Moscow’s parade
As preparations for the Victory Day parade ramp up, Moscow has implemented stringent security protocols, particularly in response to a recent wave of drone threats. Over the preceding week, heightened air defense systems have been established to counter potential drone attacks, although no new incidents were reported on the Thursday prior to the parade.
The implications of these security measures were felt across the city, with over 100 flights at Moscow airports delayed and Turkish Airlines canceling nearly all services to and from Vnukovo airport. Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, indicated that these disruptions to mobile networks and internet connections in central Moscow were necessary for public safety. “These are not disruptions, but restrictions for obvious reasons. We want the glorious Victory Day to be celebrated at the appropriate level,” he asserted.
On the day of the parade, a notable gathering of international leaders is expected, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, only Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico are confirmed to attend from Europe, echoing the divided responses to Russia’s actions on the global stage.