Moscow is reportedly in a state of panic as Russia has mobilised approximately 280 air defence units in preparation for the May 9th Victory Day parade, according to Kremlin war blogging reports. These units, which include advanced systems such as the Don2n and Nebo M radar, S400 missile batteries, and the Pancer S1 and TORM M2 systems, have been relocated from regions including Kazan and Grozny. In an unprecedented move, these systems are said to be positioned on rooftops across the Russian capital, heightening concerns of an increased state of alert or even panic within Russia’s defence circles.
The mobilisation of such a large number of air defence systems for the Victory Day event has raised questions about the Kremlin’s security concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials attending the event in Moscow. Zelenskyy stated that any incidents occurring within Russian territory are solely under the control of the Kremlin and that Ukraine should not be held responsible for any provocations or attacks that could take place during the event. He cautioned that Russia may orchestrate incidents, such as explosions or arson, in an attempt to blame Ukraine.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, and the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has invited numerous foreign leaders to attend the commemorative events. Among the invited guests are leaders from Slovakia, Serbia, China, India, and Brazil, all of whom will be present at the parade in Moscow. However, two European allies of the Russian dictator, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, have reportedly fallen ill in the days leading up to the event. Fico has denied the health rumours, stating that he will not change his plans to attend the parade.
Meanwhile, on the frontlines in Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have continued to push back against Russian advances. In the Pokovsk region, Ukrainian National Guard units successfully stormed and captured a Russian position with support from an armoured personnel carrier. This area remains a key point of tension, despite a proposed ceasefire by Putin’s government from May 8th to 10th. However, Ukrainian military reports indicate that combat operations continue, particularly in the Pokovsk direction, where Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 115 positions in April alone.
On Ukraine’s eastern border, Ukrainian border guards discovered and destroyed a hidden Russian fortification. The 15th Mobile Border Guard Detachment, known as the Steel Border Brigade, played a key role in these operations, using precise drone strikes to target and eliminate Russian positions.
