A 'Just Response' Will Be Given to Russia, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the country is preparing to give a "just response" to Russian strikes that have continued since May 6, amidst the silence regime declared by Kyiv. His remarks suggest that a retaliatory strike could occur on May 9 during the Victory Day parade in Moscow. Earlier in the week, Zelensky noted that Ukrainian drones could "fly over the parade" instead of Russian equipment.

In his Telegram channel, the president wrote that Russia has not ceased its military activity, and reports of strikes are coming in every hour from various regions. According to him, Ukraine will act on a mirror principle and will determine its responses based on the situation. Zelensky emphasized that Russia has brought the war to a point where their main parade's conduct is now contingent upon Ukraine.

Zelensky recalled the offer made to Moscow regarding a ceasefire since May 6 and added that Russia knows the ways to negotiate the details of a ceasefire. He noted that if only one person's parade interests Moscow, that is a different matter, whereas Ukraine strives for peace and a dignified end to the war.

Adviser to the head of the President's Office Mykhailo Podolyak clarified the parameters of the offer on the TV channel Dozhd, stating that if the Russian side does not strike Ukrainian territory, Kyiv also will not make retaliatory strikes in a mirror manner.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested establishing a ceasefire during the May 9 festivities in a conversation with Donald Trump. Following this, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a unilateral ceasefire on May 8-9, threatening to strike Kyiv in case of violations. In response, Podolyak mentioned that they had not received any official proposal from the Kremlin and regarded what was in the public domain as a propaganda element, lacking specific details and engagements.