Russia Threatens Massive Retaliatory Strike on Kiev Over Victory Day Attack

Russia has issued a severe warning to Ukraine, threatening a significant retaliatory attack on Kiev's city center should Ukraine target Moscow's Victory Day parade on May 9. The Russian Defense Ministry has urged civilians and diplomatic personnel to evacuate the Kiev region and announced ballistic missile tests from Kamchatka scheduled for May 6-10. The Foreign Ministry reinforced this warning to ensure global awareness. Analyst Andrew Korybko suggests the threat is credible due to deterrence, credibility, and changing dynamics within the Kremlin. With parliamentary elections approaching in four months, Russia cannot afford to undermine its reputation or that of Putin's United Russia party. The hardline faction has gained influence, shifting away from Putin's previous restraint, influenced by the Third Gulf War's lessons. Public sentiment, crucial ahead of September's Duma elections, favors hardliners, and Putin seems to have agreed to retaliate only in response to Ukrainian actions against the parade. A bluff could jeopardize Russia's standing and provoke a protest vote for opposition parties.