Air raid warning across large parts of Ukraine, including Kiev
Air raid sirens rang across large parts of Ukraine on Monday to Tuesday night. Air defense is also active in Kiev, according to Ukrainian authorities. According to The Kyiv Independent, explosions were heard in the capital. Unverified images on social media show something being shot from the sky.
Victory Day is celebrated in Russia on Tuesday. In anticipation of this commemoration of the end of World War II, attacks on Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks. On Monday, Ukrainian cities were bombarded by drone and rocket attacks.
Russia commemorates the victory over the Nazis with tight security
Russian soldiers parade on Red Square in Moscow on Victory Day again this year. On Tuesday, Russians commemorate their victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, which is accompanied by extremely tight security. Recent drone strikes in Russia, including in the Kremlin, have the country’s authorities on edge.
The annual commemoration is a major holiday in Russia and is a way for President Vladimir Putin to display his military prowess. Putin has also used the day since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to stir up Russian patriotism. He will deliver a speech on Tuesday, despite last week’s drone attack that the Russians say was aimed at the president. It is unclear who was behind the attack.
In at least six regions, the traditional May 9 parade was canceled for security reasons. Other holidays and commemorations have been curtailed, according to local authorities, out of fear of attacks by pro-Ukrainian groups.
Moscow’s Red Square has been closed to the public since April 27, also for security reasons. Rehearsals for the parade appeared to involve fewer military personnel and equipment than in previous years. Part of the army is deployed in Ukraine, but even there the Russians suffered significant losses during the war. Moscow says troops who fought in Ukraine are taking part in the parade on Red Square.
dhis live blog is based on reports from our correspondents and editors BNR, The Guardian, ANP, Al Jazeera, Reuters, Associated Press, CNN, BBC, CNBC and Agence France-Presse. BNR also uses online reports from news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti (Russia) and Belta (Belarus). Since the reporting of these agencies is not verifiable and cannot be qualified as independent, in these cases the source of the report is explicitly stated.