Addressing troops and military hardware assembled on Moscow’s Red Square for commemorations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, Putin linked Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine to what the Kremlin has repeatedly described as a struggle against Western influence and military expansion.

“The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today,” Putin said, using Moscow’s official terminology for the war in Ukraine.“They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc.

And despite this, our heroes move forward,” he added.Putin also said he believed Russia’s military campaign was justified, declaring: “I firmly believe that our cause is just.”The remarks came during Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations, one of the country’s most important patriotic events, which the Kremlin has increasingly used to rally domestic support for the war in Ukraine since the conflict began in February 2022.

Russia has repeatedly accused NATO and Western governments of escalating the conflict through military assistance, intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries to Ukraine. NATO members have said their support is aimed at helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s invasion.

The war has reshaped European security dynamics, prompting increased defense spending across NATO states and the expansion of the alliance with the accession of Finland and Sweden.

Victory Day ceremonies in Moscow have taken on heightened political significance since the start of the conflict, with Russian authorities portraying the war as part of a historic struggle against external threats and Western pressure.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation said Ukrainian forces continued attacks using drones and artillery despite the temporary truce announced by Russia.

“Despite the declaration of a ceasefire, Ukrainian armed groups continued to launch attacks using drones and artillery against the positions of our troops, as well as against civilian targets in the border areas of the Belgorod and Kursk regions,” the ministry said.

“Despite the declaration of a ceasefire, Ukrainian armed groups continued to launch attacks using drones and artillery against the positions of our troops, as well as against civilian targets in the border areas of the Belgorod and Kursk regions,” the ministry said.

The ministry said Russian forces responded “in kind” to the alleged violations, carrying out strikes against artillery systems, mortar positions, command centers and drone launch sites operated by Ukrainian forces.

The ceasefire had been announced by Moscow to coincide with ceremonies commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, one of Russia’s most symbolically important national observances.The statement did not specify the scale of the reported attacks or provide casualty figures.

Border regions including Belgorod and Kursk have faced repeated drone strikes and shelling during the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kyiv has previously questioned the sincerity of temporary Russian ceasefire announcements, accusing Moscow of continuing military operations during declared pauses in fighting.

Neither side’s battlefield claims could be independently verified.

In a diplomatic note sent to foreign embassies and international organizations on Wednesday, Moscow said it would carry out “retaliatory strikes,” including against “decision-making centers” in Kyiv, should Ukraine attempt attacks linked to the commemorations.

Russia urged diplomatic missions to “ensure the timely evacuation of personnel from diplomatic and other missions, as well as citizens, from the city of Kyiv.”Ukraine did not immediately respond to the warning.The threat comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations, a major state event commemorating the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany during World War Two.

Earlier this week, Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8-9 to coincide with the commemorations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the move and proposed a separate ceasefire beginning May 6, which Kyiv said Moscow ignored.Zelensky suggested earlier this week that Russia feared potential Ukrainian drone activity over Moscow during the parade.

In his nightly address on Wednesday, he accused Russia of continuing attacks despite Kyiv’s proposed truce and said Ukraine would “respond in kind.”Ukrainian officials reported multiple Russian strikes throughout Wednesday, including attacks in the northern Sumy region where local authorities said at least two people were killed at a kindergarten.

Overall, officials reported at least four deaths in attacks across the country.Military officers stationed on the eastern front told AFP that combat activity had continued at existing intensity levels despite ceasefire discussions.“The enemy continued to carry out infantry raids and attempts to storm our positions,” one Ukrainian officer said on condition of anonymity, adding that Ukrainian forces had responded to Russian attacks.

Another frontline commander said fighting remained unchanged, describing the military response as “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”Russia’s defense ministry said it intercepted 53 Ukrainian drones overnight between 2100 GMT and 0700 GMT, a lower number than reported in previous days.

The ministry did not specify whether any attacks occurred after Kyiv’s proposed ceasefire deadline.The conflict has intensified in recent weeks with both sides carrying out strikes deep behind front lines. On Tuesday, Ukrainian drone attacks reportedly killed two people in the Russian city of Cheboksary along the Volga River, hundreds of kilometers from Ukraine’s border.Security measures in Moscow have tightened ahead of Friday’s parade.

Russian authorities have announced intermittent citywide internet shutdowns and said military hardware would be removed from the parade for the first time in nearly two decades.Diplomatic efforts to end the war, now in its fifth year, have shown limited progress.

Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from four regions claimed by Russia, conditions Kyiv has rejected.

The visit comes as Moscow and Pyongyang continue to strengthen military and diplomatic cooperation following their 2024 strategic defence pact.Earlier, North Korean state media KCNA reported that Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin had also arrived in Pyongyang to attend the opening ceremony of a newly built memorial honoring North Korean troops killed while fighting in the Ukraine war.

Belousov is expected to hold meetings with North Korea’s top leadership and participate in “ceremonial and commemorative events,” according to the Russian defence ministry.Separately, the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marking the opening of the memorial.

Putin thanked Kim and North Korean soldiers for assisting Russia in repelling what Moscow described as a major Ukrainian incursion into the western Kursk region and said he was confident the two countries would continue strengthening their strategic partnership.

Russia and North Korea significantly expanded their relations after Kim and Putin met in June 2024 and signed a comprehensive strategic treaty that included a mutual defence clause.Since 2023, both countries have accelerated military exchanges and diplomatic coordination, drawing close international scrutiny over North Korea’s alleged military support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

The memorial inauguration and Belousov’s visit underscore the growing public acknowledgment of North Korea’s role in the conflict and signal further institutional deepening of Moscow-Pyongyang security ties.

“We asked the Turks about it, we asked some other capitals,” Sybiha told reporters on Tuesday in comments cleared for release on Wednesday, indicating that Ukraine is seeking a neutral venue outside Russia and its close ally Belarus.

Sybiha said Kyiv would consider any location except Belarus or Russia for such a meeting, underscoring longstanding Ukrainian objections to holding talks in countries aligned with Moscow.

Belarus facilitated Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by allowing its territory to be used as a staging ground, a factor that has made it unacceptable to Kyiv as a diplomatic venue.

The Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly called for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin as a potential means to accelerate efforts toward a resolution of the conflict.

However, the Kremlin has previously stated that it is willing to host Zelensky in Moscow, a proposal the Ukrainian president has rejected.

Sybiha did not disclose Ankara’s response to the request but emphasized that Ukraine remains open to alternatives. “If another capital, besides Moscow and Belarus, organizes such a meeting, we will go,” he said.

Turkiye has previously positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, maintaining diplomatic ties with both Kyiv and Moscow while hosting earlier rounds of negotiations.

Separately, Sybiha said he had exchanged written messages with Anita Orban, who is set to become Hungary’s foreign minister following the recent election victory of a new government in Budapest.

In a telephone conversation, Lavrov stressed the importance of preventing a return to armed confrontation and reiterated that the conflict has no military solution, according to the ministry’s statement.

The call followed recent talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, which ended without agreement. Araqchi briefed Lavrov on the discussions, the ministry said, providing details of negotiations that failed to produce a settlement.

Russia has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict, signaling willingness to engage diplomatically as tensions remain high despite a temporary ceasefire and ongoing international efforts to restart negotiations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow prefers to wait for an official and detailed statement from Washington before drawing conclusions. “We understand that we need to wait for clearer statements, if any come,” Peskov told reporters, underlining that open communication remains key to maintaining balance during complex global developments.

The remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he would seek a clear understanding of Ukraine’s intentions before making a final decision on the possible transfer of Tomahawk missiles. The U.S. president also emphasized his commitment to preventing escalation and pursuing a thoughtful approach to defense cooperation.

Analysts say the exchange reflects a cautious yet constructive phase in U.S.-Russia communication, as both nations navigate evolving security concerns while expressing their intent to avoid unnecessary confrontation.

Under previous administrations, the U.S. had generally announced new arms supplies to Ukraine only after deliveries were completed. Peskov’s comments suggest that Moscow is monitoring the current dialogue closely while maintaining diplomatic channels open for discussion and clarification.

Russian officials have consistently reiterated their stance on ensuring that any international arms movement does not contribute to heightened tensions. President Vladimir Putin, in a recent statement, emphasized that global security should remain the shared responsibility of all nations, highlighting that open dialogue and trust-building remain crucial pillars of peace.

Tomahawk missiles, known for their long range and precision, are typically used for strategic defense purposes. Russia’s call for clarity highlights the importance of transparency and information-sharing between major powers, which experts believe could help reduce uncertainty and strengthen confidence across the region.

While some observers describe the situation as delicate, diplomatic voices on both sides are calling for patience and mutual understanding. By choosing dialogue over speculation, Russia and the United States appear to be signaling a preference for diplomacy and structured communication, rather than confrontation.

The Kremlin’s message comes amid broader international conversations about maintaining balance and preventing the escalation of military tensions in Eastern Europe. Both Moscow and Washington have long acknowledged that constructive communication remains essential for ensuring regional and global peace.

Russia’s approach, focused on waiting for official clarification, underscores its commitment to responsible statecraft and measured response. This approach aligns with the global call for transparency, prudence, and continued cooperation in addressing international security challenges.

Observers believe that ongoing discussions about defense policies should serve as a foundation for deeper dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding between the two powers. As the situation develops, the emphasis remains on diplomacy, communication, and collective stability — values that continue to guide responsible nations in navigating a complex global landscape.

Nikita Kislitsin, an employee of Russian cybersecurity firm F.A.C.C.T., was detained on June 22 and Kazakh authorities are considering Washington’s extradition request, the company said in a statement.

It said the accusations against Kislitsin, which it did not spell out, stemmed from his time as a journalist and independent researcher. It gave no further details.

Reuters was not able to contact Kislitsin or his representatives.

On Wednesday, F.A.C.C.T. said, it became aware that Kislitsin, a former editor-in-chief of Russian magazine “Hacker”, was also wanted in Russia.

Separately, Russia’s Vedomosti newspaper said Moscow court arrested Kislitsin in absentia on charges of unauthorised access to digital information, and that Russia would seek his extradition.

Russia’s RIA news agency quoted the Russian consulate in Kazakhstan as saying it had asked Astana not to rush through Kislitsin’s extradition to the United States.

F.A.C.C.T. was spun off from Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB, which said on Wednesday it was not involved in any way with the investigation.

Police in Kazakhstan, where Wednesday was a public holiday, could not be immediately reached for comment.