Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky ‘permits’ Putin to hold Victory Day parade after Trump announces ceasefire

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a decree "permitting" Russia to hold a Victory Day military parade and said his forces won't target Moscow's Red Square, after Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire.

Vladimir Putin will deliver a speech this morning at a scaled-back parade to mark the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Once used to show off Russia's vast military, including its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, this year's parade will have no tanks or other military equipment rolling over the cobbles of Red Square.

Zelensky said: “I hereby decree: to permit the holding of a parade in the city of Moscow (Russian Federation) on 9 May 2026.” Trump on Friday announced a ceasefire covering Saturday, Sunday and Monday, along with a prisoner swap that will see both countries hand over 1,000 prisoners each.

Trump said the ceasefire will “include a suspension of all kinetic activity”.

Both Russia and Ukraine confirmed they would observe the ceasefire, with Zelensky saying the truce would begin at 10am Kyiv time.

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Putin hails Russian troops fighting in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has hailed Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, declaring that they "face an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the entire bloc of Nato."

"Victory has always been and will be ours," Putin said as columns of troops lined up on Red Square.

"The key to success is our moral strength, courage and valor, our unity and ability to endure anything and overcome any challenge."

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 08:44

Putin says Russian soldiers have suffered 'huge losses'

Russian president Vladimir Putin has concluded his speech, which lasted less than 10 minutes.

He used the speech to congratulate his troops and the country’s people on the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

"Our soldiers suffered huge losses, made huge sacrifices in the name of freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe,” Putin said.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 08:35

Oldest living World War Two veteran attends Victory Day parade

The oldest living veteran of World War Two is in attendance at the Victory Day parade in Moscow, Russia.

Kirill Semyonov is 103 years old, TASS news agency reported.

He was seated next to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 08:22

Vladimir Putin begins his speech

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 08:16

Pakistan congratulates Putin on Victory Day

Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the 81st Victory Day.

“In a message, conveyed on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, the President noted that victory in the Great Patriotic War remains a solemn and enduring reminder of the immense sacrifices made by the Russian people in the defence of their homeland and in the global struggle against fascism,” his office said.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 08:10

Russia's 81st Victory Day military parade begins

Russia's 81st Victory Day military parade began at 10am this morning as the three-day ceasefire with Ukraine came into force.

Despite the ceasefire, Russia is holding its most scaled-back Victory Day parade due to the threat of attack from Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin has arrived at Red Square and will deliver a speech shortly.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 08:10

Vladimir Putin has arrived at Red Square

Vladimir Putin has arrived at Red Square in Moscow for the Victory Day military parade.

He was accompanied by Belarusian leader Aleksander Lukashenko.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 07:58

North Korean servicemen stand in formation before the Victory Day military parade in Moscow

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 07:54

LIVE: Putin holds Victory Day parade

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 07:49

North Korea's Kim calls ties with Russia 'top priority' in Victory Day message

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his country's commitment to its mutual defence treaty with Russia in a message to president Vladimir Putin, congratulating Russia on the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Kim reiterated North Korea's position to "give top priority" to its partnership with Russia and its commitment to "the implementation of the obligations of the inter-state treaty," according to KCNA.

Russia and North Korea in 2024 signed a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" during a visit to Pyongyang by Putin. The pact includes a mutual defence provision.

North Korea sent an estimated 14,000 troops to fight with Russian forces in Kursk during the ongoing war in Ukraine. South Korean, Ukrainian and Western officials said those troops suffered heavy casualties, with more than 6,000 North Korean soldiers killed in the fighting.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar9 May 2026 07:44NewerOlder

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