Zelensky warns allies against attending Moscow's WWII parade

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia's allies against attending the May 9 World War II victory parade in Moscow, as Russia repeated threats to strike Kyiv on Victory Day. Moscow declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 10 but urged Kyiv residents to leave due to possible retaliatory strikes. Zelensky, speaking in a video address from central Kyiv, said Ukraine had received messages from some states close to Russia planning to send representatives to Moscow, calling it a "strange desire" and advising against it. Ukraine had proposed a counter-truce from May 6, denouncing Russia's ceasefire as propaganda to protect the parade, a key patriotic event for President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky stated that Russia seeks a permit to hold its parade safely for one hour annually before resuming hostilities.