As Kyiv celebrates Victory Day, Russia launches missiles towards Ukraine

KYIV, 9 May (Reuters) – On Tuesday, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv and paraded troops and vintage equipment across Red Square in a shortened celebration of World War II triumph, while Kyiv repelled air assaults and hosted the head of the European Union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thundered against “Western global elites” in a heated 10-minute speech in front of the Kremlin walls, saying Russia faced an existential threat once more.

“Today, society is once again at a crossroads. “A real war has been declared against our homeland,” claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin, who last year launched an unjustified invasion of Ukraine, demolishing cities and killing thousands of civilians.

May 9, the day in Moscow’s time zone of Germany’s capitulation on May 8, 1945, is the most important holiday in Russia under Putin, who compares his invasion of Ukraine to the Nazi menace Russia faced during World War II.

“Today, civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A real war has been unleashed against our homeland,” 

Vladimir Putin

Ukraine, which is hosting EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claimed its air defenses shot down 23 of 25 Russian cruise missiles fired mostly towards the capital Kyiv overnight, with no injuries recorded. It was the second big Russian air strike in a row, and the fifth of the month.

Putin stated that the entire country was praying for its “heroes” on the front lines and ended with an applause for “Russia, for our valiant Armed Forces, for victory!”

Following his speech, a band played and a cannon fired a salute. In a parade that was noticeably smaller in magnitude than previous years, soldiers marched into the square, trailed by armored vehicles and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.

A flyover of jets over Moscow was canceled, while parades in other towns were cut back or postponed, due to security concerns – including drones that exploded over the Kremlin citadel itself last week – and manpower and weapon shortages at the front.

The traditional “Immortal Regiment” processions were canceled, in which individuals carried photos of relatives who fought against the Nazis.

The appearance of the “legendary T-34 tank” – a World War II antique paraded in the location ordinarily occupied by contemporary battle tanks – was heralded on state media.

There have been no reported injuries in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s latest series of air strikes against the city.

“Overnight into the’sacred’ May 9, (they) launched an attack on the territory of Ukraine,” Ukraine’s air force claimed.

According to Sergei Popko, commander of the Kyiv city military administration, the Russians are attempting to kill people. “As at the front, the aggressor’s plans failed.”

Moscow denies targeting civilians and claims its airstrikes are intended to reduce Ukraine’s fighting capability.]

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko, debris fell on a house in the Holosiivskyi area in the southwest of the city but caused little damage. Debris lay in a thoroughfare in central Kyiv’s frequently targeted Shevchenkivskyi area.

Russia has increased its operations this month in preparation for a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive, following a dismal Russian winter campaign that seized little territory despite the bloodiest ground warfare in Europe since World War Two.

Kyiv symbolized its rupture with Moscow this year by relocating its commemoration of World War II Victory Day to May 8 in accordance with European allies; on May 9, it marked the signing of a statement that led to the formation of the organization that became the European Union.

“It’s great to be back in Kyiv. “Where the values we hold dear are defended on a daily basis,” the EU’s von der Leyen tweeted, calling it “such a fitting place to celebrate Europe Day.”

In Moscow, Putin greeted the leaders of a half-dozen other former Soviet republics at the Kremlin before they took their places on the dais outside, and they subsequently deposited flowers at the eternal flame near the Kremlin walls.

“Putin is parading his soldiers, tanks, and missiles today,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in an address to members at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. “Such power plays must not intimidate us!” Let us maintain our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes!”

As Kyiv celebrates Victory Day, Russia launches missiles towards Ukraine.