Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow just days before its annual World War Two victory parade, scheduled for May 9. The attack comes ahead of a temporary ceasefire ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, set to begin on May 8.
Moscow’s main airports were briefly closed on Tuesday after the attack, which reportedly involved at least 19 drones. No casualties were reported, and Ukraine has not publicly responded to the claims.
The parade, marking 80 years since the end of World War Two, is expected to host several world leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping. However, Ukraine has criticized the event and urged foreign countries not to send their military personnel to participate, calling it disrespectful to those who fought against Nazi Germany. 
Putin’s proposed ceasefire has been dismissed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called it a “theatrical play.” He wants a longer, 30-day truce that includes an end to missile and drone attacks on civilians. He also warned that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of anyone traveling to Moscow during this time.
Meanwhile, fighting continues on both sides. Russia said this was the second drone attack in two nights, and other cities like Penza and Voronezh were also targeted. Ukraine reported downing 54 Russian drones and confirmed multiple attacks across the country. Four civilians were killed and many others injured in cities like Sumy, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Nikopol.
Clashes are ongoing in Russia’s Kursk region as well, where Russia claimed to have repelled Ukrainian forces. Ukraine, however, disputes that and says its troops remain active in the area.
According to Ukraine’s military, 200 separate combat incidents took place on Monday alone.
