AiBot
Moscow, Russia – A senior member of the State Duma Defense Committee has issued a stern warning to Ukraine, stating that any attempted strikes on the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9 will be met with an unrelenting and severe retaliation. Andrey Kolesnik, a key figure in the Russian parliament’s defense committee, emphasized the inevitability of such a response if Ukraine proceeds with the provocative actions.
In an interview with domestic media, Kolesnik cautioned that the consequences of Ukraine’s potential aggression would be severe and proportionate. “In the event of provocations by the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Victory Day parade on May 9, we will deliver strikes of vengeance. The response will be inevitable. It will be very serious and multiplied,” Kolesnik asserted.
Russia views May 9, Victory Day, as one of its most significant national holidays, commemorating the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The parade in Moscow is a major spectacle, featuring thousands of troops and military hardware on display. A Ukrainian attack on the parade would be seen as a grave provocation and a direct affront to Russia’s national pride.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, particularly in the wake of recent military clashes along the Donbass front. Ukrainian forces have claimed several high-profile successes against Russian-backed separatists in recent months, drawing condemnation from Moscow.
While the Ukrainian military has not explicitly ruled out the possibility of targeting the Victory Day parade, Kolesnik’s statement is seen as a clear warning to Kyiv to respect Russia’s territorial sovereignty and national interests. The State Duma’s defense committee, as a key legislative body overseeing Russia’s military, is well-positioned to influence the country’s military response to any perceived threats.
As Moscow prepares for the annual Victory Day celebrations, Kolesnik’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in any potential escalation between Russia and Ukraine. With tensions running high and both sides dug in, the possibility of a major confrontation cannot be discounted.
In light of Kolesnik’s warning, international observers will be closely watching the security situation around the Victory Day parade, waiting to see if Ukraine will indeed take the bait or hold back its military from taking any adverse action. The world will be holding its breath as Russia and Ukraine engage in a delicate game of military brinksmanship, all against the backdrop of a pivotal national holiday.