Russia’s former president and now Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued a grim threat to Ukraine, warning that Kyiv will not make it past May 9 if it goesad Russia on during its next Victory Day celebrations.
The warning was issued in reaction to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement regarding the security of foreign leaders visiting Moscow for the May 9 events. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would not be able to provide guarantees for the security of leaders on Russian territory, leaving everything in Moscow’s hands.
“Our position is clear: Russia bears full responsibility for providing security for any foreign representatives on its territory,” Zelenskyy said.
Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, is a profound national holiday in Russia. The ceremony this year will celebrate the 80th anniversary, and President Vladimir Putin will be hosting world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Following the incident and amid widespread condemnation, Putin declared a three-day temporary ceasefire from May 8-10. Ukraine hit back by demanding a 30-day truce, which was already rejected by Moscow.
Zelenskyy reinforced that Ukraine, being engaged in ongoing conflict with Russia, was unable to provide guarantees about the security of foreign visitors celebrating in Moscow. “They will take care of your security, not us,” he said.
Medvedev, who has become steadily more hardline since the conflict started, branded Zelenskyy’s words as a “verbal provocation.” He threatened that if Ukraine were to launch any attacks on Victory Day, there would be grave repercussions.
“If there is an actual provocation on May 9, no one can guarantee that Kyiv will live until May 10,” Medvedev wrote on Telegram, raising tensions before the symbolic holiday.
