Zelensky Says Moscow’s Main Parade Now ‘Depends on Us’

Zelensky said Russia ignored Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and continued attacks across multiple regions, warning Kyiv would respond “mirror-like.” Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied President Volodymyr Zelensky in Middelburg on April 16, 2026. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Russia’s main Victory Day parade now “depends on us” after Moscow rejected Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and continued attacks across multiple regions. In his nightly address on Wednesday, Zelensky said Russia had received a “clear proposal” from Kyiv for a halt in fighting and a transition to diplomacy but responded only with intensified military activity. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Russia has fought to the point where even their main parade already depends on us,” Zelensky said. “And this is a clear signal: it is time to end this.” The remarks came amid competing ceasefire proposals ahead of Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The Kremlin had earlier proposed a limited truce for May 8-9, officially to mark the anniversary events. Zelensky dismissed the initiative as “cynical” and described it as a “theatrical performance” designed primarily to secure the parade and protect Moscow from possible Ukrainian strikes. Instead, Kyiv proposed what Zelensky called a unilateral “regime of silence” beginning May 6 as a test of Russia’s willingness to pursue a genuine ceasefire. According to Zelensky, Russia ignored the offer within hours. He said Ukrainian officials recorded more than 1,800 strikes and attacks across several regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Other Topics of Interest Several Regions in Russia Cancel Victory Day Parade Over Security Concerns The move reflects heightened security risks in Russia amid ongoing war and disputed ceasefire proposals. “Russia has not stopped any type of its military activity,” Zelensky said. He warned that Ukraine would now respond “mirror-like” to Russian actions and would determine “fully justified responses” depending on the situation overnight and on May 7. The escalating rhetoric comes as Moscow appears increasingly concerned about the security of this year’s Victory Day celebrations. Russia has already scaled back the May 9 parade, with state media and officials indicating that heavy military equipment such as tanks and armored vehicles may not participate for the first time since 2007. Russian authorities cited the “operational situation,” while Zelensky suggested fears of Ukrainian drone attacks were behind the decision. “If that happens, it will be the first time in many, many years,” Zelensky said earlier this week. “They cannot afford military equipment – and they fear drones may buzz over Red Square.” Zelensky also thanked world leaders and countries that supported Ukraine’s proposal to Russia for a full ceasefire, saying Kyiv remains ready to work toward peace and a dignified end to the war. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.