Zelenskyy Criticizes Moscow’s Victory Day Parade

(MENAFN) Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday harshly criticized the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow, scheduled for May 9, labeling it a “parade of cynicism.”

He expressed his disapproval of the event, highlighting the irony of those responsible for atrocities in Ukraine now invoking historical suffering.

Zelenskyy pointed out the contradiction in Russia commemorating World War II while being responsible for recent brutalities.

“Tomorrow, the atrocities of the Nazis will be brought up by the organizer of mass graves in Bucha. And those who orchestrated the blockade of Mariupol will be the ones talking about the siege of Leningrad. It will be a parade of cynicism,” he stated.

He continued, calling the event “a parade of bile and lies,” expressing that no other description seemed adequate.

In a video message marking Ukraine’s Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism, Zelenskyy criticized Russian Leader Vladimir Putin for seemingly claiming personal credit for defeating Nazism.

“As if it were not dozens of allied states, but (Russian President Vladimir) Putin personally who defeated Nazism. As if it were he who raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag in Berlin with his own hands,” he remarked, underscoring the distortion of historical facts.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace and stressed the necessity of confronting aggression head-on.

He stated that genuine peace can only be achieved if “Russia must radically change, or the world will have to change.”

Reflecting on the lessons of World War II, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that history has shown the futility of appeasing malevolence, asserting that “evil cannot be appeased,” but rather must be confronted “wherever it is possible.”

His comments were delivered shortly after a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Putin took effect at midnight and is expected to continue through May 11.

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