Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stark warning of grave consequences should Ukraine disrupt the forthcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
Leaders from China, India, Brazil, and several EU countries are expected to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
Medvedev, responding to what he described as President Zelenskyy’s “verbal provocation”; regarding the commemoration, stated that Ukraine would face severe repercussions should Kyiv launch any form of attack.
“If there is an actual provocation on May 9, no one can guarantee that Kyiv will live until May 10,”; the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council wrote on Telegram.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier remarked that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of foreign dignitaries planning to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade.
Zelenskyy told journalists that Russia could coordinate “arsons, explosions, or other actions,”; and subsequently place the blame on Ukraine.
“We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,”; he advised visiting delegations.
“We will not provide any guarantees, because we do not know what Russia might do on those dates.”;
Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine’s warning against travel to Moscow stemmed from a security perspective, adding: “If you choose to go, that is your personal decision.”;
The Ukrainian president recalled that during the visits of various world leaders to Kyiv, there were “various formats of attacks and assaults”; orchestrated by Russia.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the BRICS Council meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that Moscow is preparing for President Xi Jinping’s visit on 9 May.
