The President of Ukraine met in Armenia with the leaders of the EU and major European countries.
Heads of state and government are participating in the summit of the European Political Community, which is taking place in Yerevan. Zelensky visited this country for the first time, which still formally belongs to a military bloc with Russia and where a Russian base is located.
At the meeting, Zelensky commented on the change in the format of the May 9 parade in Moscow and suggested that Ukrainian drones could indeed "fly over" during the parade.
"Russia announced that it will hold the May 9 parade in Moscow without military equipment. If this happens, it will be the first time in many years that they cannot afford military equipment, and they fear that drones may fly over Red Square. This is indicative. It demonstrates that they [Russia – RS] are no longer as strong as they used to be," said the Ukrainian president.
Additionally, according to Zelensky, the upcoming summer will be the moment when Russian President Vladimir Putin will have to make a choice: whether to "expand" the war or turn to diplomacy. Zelensky urged European partners to "push" Putin towards diplomacy by increasing pressure on Russia.
Russian authorities previously stated that a ceasefire would be declared on Victory Day, regardless of Ukraine's actions. Zelensky emphasized that a ceasefire is necessary, but not for just a few hours to allow the parade in Moscow to take place. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the parade will take place, but in a reduced format, without military equipment, reports "Current Time."
