Ukrainian drones may attack the Russian parade, says Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian drones could attack Russia’s May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, as the Kremlin prepares for one of its most symbolic events. reported “Kyiv Post”.

Speaking at the opening of the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Zelensky suggested that Russia is no longer able to display its military power as it has done in past years.

– Russia has announced a parade on May 9, but there will be no military equipment at this parade. This will be the first time in many, many years that they will not be able to afford the presence of weapons in the parade. And Ukrainian drones can also attack this parade. This shows that they are no longer as strong as before – said Zelenski.

A Ukrainian drone struck a residential skyscraper in western Moscow early today, damaging apartments and scattering debris, according to Russian officials and media reports.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said there were no casualties after the drone crashed into a building near Mosfilmovska Street around 1am. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene.

Russian Telegram channels, including Mash, reported that the attack hit a residential skyscraper on Mosfilmovska Street. The impact destroyed walls in three rooms on the 36th floor, while part of the facade collapsed onto a parked car below. Debris and broken glass were reportedly strewn throughout the area.

Sobyanin later said that Russian air defenses intercepted two more drones headed for the capital, without specifying where they were shot down.

VIDEO | A drone hit a luxury skyscraper in Moscow

The incident follows a series of drone attacks on Moscow earlier in May.

Meanwhile, Russia’s May 9 parade in Red Square is expected to be significantly scaled back, with reports that for the first time since 2008, no tanks, missile systems or artillery will be on display.

By May 1, seven foreign leaders are expected to attend Russia’s May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, according to the Russian portal Insider.

The publication reported that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassim-Jomart Tokaev and Kyrgyz President Sadir Zhaparov confirmed their participation following invitations from the Kremlin. Milorad Dodik, the leader of the ruling party in Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), also announced plans to visit Moscow. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is also expected to be in Moscow.

According to Slovak statements quoted by Russian media, Fico does not plan to participate in the military parade itself, but intends to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a sign of respect for Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II.

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